Three Sunderland players have been suggested as potential candidates for inclusion in England’s EURO 2028 squad, according to Sky Sports’ EFL editor, Simeon Gholam. The UK and Northern Ireland are set to co-host the EURO 2028 tournament, with some matches taking place at St. James’ Park in the North-East.
While established stars like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice are among the early favorites for the England senior team, Gholam believes that several players currently competing in the EFL could also make the cut. He points out that players like Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, and James Maddison, who participated in the last World Cup, began their careers in the lower leagues, indicating that this trend could continue.
Gholam highlights three key Sunderland players as potential England prospects. He describes Anthony Patterson as a promising young talent who was a consistent presence in Sunderland’s play-off run last season and has shown excellence in the current season. While Patterson is a solid shot-stopper and an all-around good goalkeeper, he needs to work on his distribution.
Jobe Bellingham, Jude Bellingham’s younger brother, is part of a talented young Sunderland side. Gholam recognizes his potential and, though he acknowledges that comparing him to Jude, who plays for Real Madrid, is challenging, he sees Jobe as a promising prospect.
Jack Clarke, arguably Sunderland’s standout player this season, is expected to make it to the England set-up “sooner rather than later.” Gholam credits Clarke for his impressive performances and suggests he’s well on his way to becoming Sunderland’s Championship Player of the Season.
While Jobe may be the most likely of the three to make the national team, he might not reach the same heights as his brother. England’s shortage of quality in central midfield could offer Jobe a chance to make his mark, while Clarke will face stiff competition for a spot in England’s attacking lineup.
Patterson, on the other hand, will aspire to replicate the success of Jordan Pickford but might face competition from other young goalkeepers like Aaron Ramsdale for a regular spot in the Three Lions’ squad.
