Playing for 90
Fansided

Kieran Gibbs gets England call up

By Jocelyn Taub

VILNUS, LITHUANIA - OCTOBER 12: Kieran Gibbs of England in action during the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier match between Lituania and England on October 12, 2015 in Vilnus, Lithuania. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
VILNUS, LITHUANIA - OCTOBER 12: Kieran Gibbs of England in action during the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier match between Lituania and England on October 12, 2015 in Vilnus, Lithuania. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Arsenal left back Kieran Gibbs will be a part of the England squad heading to Slovenia on Tuesday

Kieran Gibbs got some good news during the current international break. The Arsenal defender was called up to join the England squad by caretaker manager Gareth Southgate.

Gibbs cut short his vacation break in Dubai in order to meet up with the Three Lions. He will be a part of the squad travelling to Slovenia on Tuesday for another World Cup Qualifier.

Gibbs’ call up comes at the expense of Ryan Bertrand who was injured in England’s 2-0 victory over Malta. Danny Rose came on in place of Bertrand and is expected to be in the starting lineup for the next match. Gibbs will serve as back up for the left back position.

It’s a great opportunity for Gibbs to try to reestablish both his international and Arsenal careers.

Gibbs has ten previous appearances for England’s senior team. Unfortunately a combination of injuries and lack of playing time at Arsenal have caused him to lose his automatic inclusion in the squad.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (MINIMUM USAGE FEE APPLIES – 150 GBP FOR PRINT AND GBP 75 ONLINE OR LOCAL EQUIVALENT) Manager Arsene Wenger of Arsenal stands over (L-R) Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal as they each sign their new longterm contracts at London Colney on December 19, 2012 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (MINIMUM USAGE FEE APPLIES – 150 GBP FOR PRINT AND GBP 75 ONLINE OR LOCAL EQUIVALENT) Manager Arsene Wenger of Arsenal stands over (L-R) Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal as they each sign their new longterm contracts at London Colney on December 19, 2012 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

Gibbs loses his starting position to Nacho Monreal

Gibbs became Arsenal’s starting left back following the departure of Gael Clichy to Manchester City at the end of the 2011-2012 season. His performances earned him praise and a long-term contract. Gibbs, along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere was one of five British players pictured signing Arsenal contracts in December 2012.

In January 2013 Gibbs suffered a thigh injury that ruled him out for six weeks. In need of a replacement, Arsenal signed Nacho Monreal from Malaga during the January transfer window.

More from Arsenal FC

Monreal’s early appearances for Arsenal were less than convincing. Over time, however, he became Wenger’s first choice. It soon became clear that Gibbs would have to earn back his starting role. The problem for Gibbs is that his chances have been slim as Monreal has risen in stature. Through no fault of his own, Gibbs has found himself on the substitute bench. Without regular playing time, Gibbs lost his spot on the national team.

It’s somewhat ironic that Gibbs would get his recall to the England squad due to a player injury. It was exactly that scenario that led to his current situation. Time will tell whether or not Gibbs gets his chance to work his way back to a starting role for club and country.

Home/Arsenal FC