Rangers star James Tavernier’s England World Cup hopes rated as right back injury jinx hits ahead of Liverpool chance
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JAMES TAVERNIER has hit the age of 30 without ever appearing for his country.
But the prospect of the Rangers captain being granted an unlikely England call up for the World Cup in Qatar could just be back on the agenda after a sudden raft of injuries in the right back position.
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James Tavernier’s numbers over the past few seasons have been spectacularCredit: Willie Vass 
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Gareth Southgate suddenly has problems in the right back areaCredit: Getty
Gareth Southgate’s side are in a bad run of form in any case – and now he finds experienced right backs dropping like flies.
Tavernier’s own form isn’t quite what it has been in recent seasons, either, but he has an eleven-match stretch – not least with a chance to impress tonight against Liverpool – to stake his claim.
Manchester City veteran Kyle Walker, a certain squad member and first team man if fit, underwent groin surgery just days ago in a bid to be fit for the finals.
But he has to be rated as a doubt to make the finals squad.
Liverpool stand-out Trent Alexander-Arnold is out again too, and Southgate hasn’t been inclined to select the 17-times capped man in recent times in any case.
And now Chelsea star Reece James – a 14-cap star who started the 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany at Wembley at the end of September – went down with injury in midweek.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter said he would not know until later this week how bad the injury was.
It all presents Tavernier with a great chance to stake his claim for inclusion against Liverpool at Ibrox tonight.
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He is blessed with a wealth of experience – having captained his side into a major European final as recently as the end of last season.
As for other options, Southgate could turn to Arsenal’s Ben White, although he is more commonly used as a centre back.
Luke Ayling of Leeds United is another possiblity – although his credentials are no better than those of Tavernier.
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Chelsea’s Reece James grimaces in pain after a tackle against AC MilanCredit: AP
Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton has been playing on the LEFT for his club side but he has been handed at least one cap under Southgate.
Leicester City’s James Justin is another potential option, although his club side are in poor form.
Manchester United’s Aaron Wan Bissaka has hardly featured at first team level this season.
Southgate likes to play three at the back, which makes Newcastle’s Kieran Tripper at least one quality option as right wing back.
But it’s an area of flux in the team – and Tavernier will hope to stake his claim this evening.
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