James Tavernier set for Rangers days off from Michael Beale with England hopes long gone, six players ‘far superior’
James Tavernier no longer has any hope of England recognition because at least six players are “far superior” to the Rangers captain, who will now get time off from boss Michael Beale, according to The Times.
The right-back may be closing in on 100 goals in a Light Blue shirt, not to mention his 114 assists, but the 31-year-old has never been capped by his country.
He was never in contention for Gareth Southgate’s current squad with a host of household names at the position considered to have way more ability in a defensive sense, and now he is left to make the most of international breaks by resting up and “recharging”.
The Times report on Monday (20 March) said: “Tavernier can float balls into nets from free kicks — another of them for Rangers’ first at Fir Park — but another set of defenders amount to a wall it has been impossible for him to overcome.
“Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kieran Trippier, Ben White and Kyle Walker-Peters are all far superior defensively. Gareth Southgate has never had his head turned by the option with freakish attacking figures available to him in Glasgow.
“Tavernier will be 32 before the end of the year. Whatever hope he may once have had of being considered by his country has long gone.”
As such he will therefore join the group of players in the Gers squad who have not been called up by their countries in receiving a few days off from Michael Beale during the international break.
No shame
If there is one thing England has these days it is right-backs, and the never-ending debate about the quality, or lack thereof, surrounding Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold shows Tavernier had an insurmountable challenge in this era.
Yes, the Ibrox skipper gets criticism for his defensive work and at times his leadership when it comes to battles with Celtic, but he has been a vital part of the furniture at the club over the past eight years.
The likes of Manchester City’s Walker and Chelsea’s James are considered some of the best all-around full-backs in the world, so if Alexander-Arnold can barely get a sniff of the national team despite winning every major club honour by the age of 23 then there is no shame in Tavernier getting overlooked.
Rangers’ captain barely misses a minute in the SPFL and rarely drops out of the line-up altogether even in cup competitions, so having entered his 30s he will surely benefit from some time off.
There were suspicions earlier this season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst that the Englishman was being run into the ground despite carrying an injury, although they were dismissed by both sides.
He has proven his ongoing importance to the side with five goals and an assist in the past four league games, all wins, but it may be approaching the point where a successor needs to be integrated.
Given there is sure to be significant upheaval during the summer his presence will provide valuable continuity, but there will need to be minutes available around him sooner rather than later because he won’t keep going forever.
In other Rangers news, a player that is currently heading towards the exit at the end of the season sounds like they are in line to extend their stay at Ibrox.