Southgate considers shock England call-up for Brighton striker

Gareth Southgate is seriously considering a stunning England call-up for 34-year-old Brighton striker Glenn Murray, claims The Sun.

England are scheduled to play Holland and Italy in friendlies at the end of the month and Southgate will use those matches to finalise his squad for the 2018 World Cup.

Southgate is already mulling call-ups for Burnley duo Nick Pope and James Tarkowski and now the England manager could turn to veteran striker Murray when he announces his squad next Thursday.

England’s striking options are far from certain beyond Tottenham star Harry Kane 99 days out from the start of the 2018 World Cup and Murray’s purple patch of form could result in a shock opportunity.

Only Kane (24), Raheem Sterling (15) and Jamie Vardy (13) have scored more Premier League goals than Murray (11) of English players this season.

Furthermore, only Sergio Aguero (9) and Mohamed Salah (7) have scored more Premier League goals than Murray (6) in 2018.