Rangers: Jermain Defoe sends James Tavernier England message after what he did v Hibernian
Rangers captain James Tavernier has been sent a new message by former teammate Jermain Defoe following his goal in the Gers win over Hibernian.
Philippe Clement’s side claimed all three points at Ibrox on Saturday (30 March) with a 3-1 win thanks to goals from Tavernier, Cyriel Dessers and Rabbi Matondo to put the pressure back on Celtic in the Premiership title race.
Tavernier’s strike means that he is now the highest-scoring British defender ever and former England forward Defoe has suggested that the 32-year-old should be called up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad.
Commenting on the right-back’s Instagram post (30 March) he said: “England call up” followed by two fire emojis.
Will England call up either Jack Butland or Rangers captain James Tavernier?
It is reasonable to suggest that Tavernier’s goal-scoring exploits north of the border are more than worthy of some international recognition, but right-back is one of the few positions England actually have strength in depth.
On top of that, it has already been suggested that Jack Butland missed out on a Three Lions recall in March because of an agenda against Scottish football in England. Tavernier would almost certainly suffer the same fate.
For those in charge at Ibrox, keeping the 32-year-old slightly out of sight and therefore out of the shop window might actually be the best result. Interest is always high in the Englishman and that is unlikely to change this summer.
Hopefully, the Light Blues will be able to keep him at Ibrox for a little while longer yet as it is clear that he still has plenty left in the tank and much more to offer Clement’s side in the coming years.
If he carries on like that, he’ll manage to get his hands on another Premiership title this term and brush off that serial loser tag for good.
In other Rangers news, Ross McCausland has been named in a list of gems from the next generation by one newspaper
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