Morgan Gibbs-White sends strong message after what he did vs Leeds
Morgan Gibbs-White was dropped by Thomas Tuchel for England’s November international games as he looks to get his place back ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions take on Serbia and Albania in the final two matches of their World Cup qualifying campaign, although they already have secured their place at the highly-coveted tournament.
Not picked for the squad this time around, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Gibbs-White was one of the problem players at Nottingham Forest under previous boss Ange Postecoglou.
The midfielder has come under fire in recent weeks for inconsistent and erratic performances, including Gibbs-White missing a penalty against Sturm Graz on 6 November.
The 25-year-old’s recent poor displays could have proved pivotal in persuading Tuchel to drop him from the England team as he faces a race against time to get back into the national squad.
Gibbs-White shows England what they need in explosive display vs Leeds
Despite calls for Gibbs-White to be dropped by Nottingham Forest against Leeds on 9 November, the midfield maestro put in a spectacular performance to make amends with the fans.
The Garibaldi eventually ran out 3-1 victors, but the Englishman’s delightful header in the 68th minute marked the start of more control on proceedings.
The former Wolves man was ferocious in front of goal, taking three shots during the match which all troubled Lucas Perri in the Peacocks’ net.
Moreover, his heat map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, highlights how Gibbs-White operated in the pockets around the box as he tried to dictate play.
On top of this, the number 10 completed 20 of his 22 passes, registering a 91 per cent passing accuracy rate as he took great care with the ball.
The display was certainly a message to the Three Lions boss that the attacking-midfielder is highly motivated to win his place back in the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Nottingham Forest Europa League success to catch Tuchel’s attention
It is safe to say that Forest have not had the start to their Europa League campaign that they would’ve wanted.
The Garibaldi sit 23rd in the table with just four points, the only victory coming in a 2-0 win on Sean Dyche’s managerial debut on 23 October.
Yet, for Gibbs-White, winning the European competition would go far in grabbing the England boss’ attention and booking his place on the plane to the World Cup.
Success in the tournament has led to first-time call-ups for England stars such as Djed Spence.
The Tottenham full-back had never played for the senior team, not until he lifted the Europa League last season and was rewarded with an international debut against Serbia on 9 September, reflecting his hard work.
Gibbs-White could use the trophy as a pathway to being selected once again for the Three Lions team, especially with Tuchel set to monitor Forest closely due to the importance of Elliot Anderson.