England manager Gareth Southgate says uncapped Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson could start tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley England manager Gareth Southgate says uncapped Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson could start tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley

Gareth Southgate insists he would have no qualms giving Ben Gibson his England debut against Lithuania, and has not ruled out the Middlesbrough captain playing from the start.

The 24-year-old worked with Southgate while he was in charge of England's U21s and was called up to the senior squad for the first time this week after Chris Smalling was injured against Germany.

Southgate has been impressed with Gibson's leadership qualities and insists he would not bring any player into his squad unless he was sure they were capable of featuring in the side.

Southgate said: "I have considered picking him before. He's a player we worked with at the U21s, so we know him well; we know his personality and character. There is a chance Ben could start tomorrow.

"I don't think it would be a gamble to play anybody in the squad. That's why he's here. We're not afraid to put young players in. When you bring someone in late to the squad, for a couple of days, it's really important that you know who's coming through the door.

"With him he is already the captain at his club. He's a Premier League captain at a very young age, which tells you something about his leadership qualities, and the type of person he is. He's also had a very good season with Middlesbrough."

Gareth Southgate says he has no qualms putting youngsters in the team

Southgate also revealed that he is compiling lists of players in every position in order to track their progression from youngster under consideration to first-choice senior international.

"There are one or two other players in that position that are on our radar. It's always important to know what your progression list is," he said.

"That's why I go around the country, watching millions of games on my laptop as well, because it's important to know every position, who's the first choice and who's the next one in.

"There is no way of telling [when this squad will be at its peak]. I think we have seen huge progression in the couple of weeks we've had with the squad; October, November and now.

"I like their football intelligence. They are able to grasp new concepts. They took on board a new tactical system the other day and did really well. We can progress quickly, but how quickly remains to be seen."