Dominic Solanke Bournemouth
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Tottenham Hotspur’s club-record signing, Dominic Solanke, has made a remarkable return to form following a five-month recovery from ankle surgery. Since his return last month, Solanke has been instrumental in securing vital results for Thomas Frank’s side. His goals in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt ensured Spurs’ automatic progression to the round of 16, bypassing the need for a play-off.
Last weekend, Solanke delivered a stellar performance by scoring twice, including a spectacular scorpion kick, to help Spurs draw 2-2 with Manchester City. This impressive display was witnessed by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who was present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
John Cross said: “I cannot believe that Thomas Tuchel would have left without being so impressed with a player that we would not have been talking about had he not put in incredible performances of late. He was phenomenal. Not only did he score two goals, including a remarkable scorpion kick straight out of the Olivier Giroud playbook, I thought his all-around play was fantastic. He will have given Tuchel some real food for thought.”
Solanke’s chances of making the England World Cup squad hinge on the number of strikers selected and the specific profile the team seeks. While Ollie Watkins remains a favorite, Solanke’s recent performances have certainly put him on Tuchel’s radar.
Another Tottenham player hoping to secure a spot in the England squad is Conor Gallagher. The midfielder, who joined Spurs from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window, has been working hard to make an impression.
John Cross said: “The more you write him off, the more he’ll prove you wrong. He’s an outside shot at the moment. He thought, ‘okay, I’m probably not starting enough games and making enough of an impression. So I’m going do something about this’. That’s why he was open to moving back to the Premier League, he obviously chose Spurs above Villa, and he’s done that with the World Cup in mind.”
Gallagher’s passion for playing for England is evident, and his move to Spurs has given him a platform to showcase his talents. While he currently holds a 5/10 rating for making the squad, his unique attributes could offer a contrast to other midfielders, providing him with a potential opportunity.
Both Solanke and Gallagher are determined to make their mark and secure their places in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Their performances in the coming months will be crucial in determining their chances.