Nottingham Forest recently had a number of players jet off around the world for international duty for the final time in 2024.
Chris Wood earned a new nickname after his hat-trick for New Zealand against Vanuatu – and his goalscoring streak continued.
For Murillo, it was a chance to join up with the Brazil team for the first time – although he didn’t get on the pitch for games against Venezuela and Uruguay.
There were other players called up and one player who earned rave reviews for his England heroics was Morgan Gibbs-White.
The attacker played from the bench for the Three Lions in a Nations League clash against Greece and assisted Curtis Jones for his first senior international goal.
For Gibbs-White, however, the call-up was somewhat bittersweet. He missed the game with Arsenal through injury and it’s not sure whether he picked up with England or whether he’s still nursing the effects of the ankle injury he got in October.
Either way, it’s sparked some debate…
Curtis Jones of England celebrates a goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B, Group B2 match between Greece and England at OAKA Stadiu...
Photo by Stefanos Kyriazis/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Charlie McParland agrees with Garry Birtles on Morgan Gibbs-White
Earlier this week, Birtles was also quizzed on the Gibbs-White injury situation.
It’s fair to say that he didn’t feel comfortable with him going off with England and then returning unable to play in an important Premier League contest.
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Now, former Forest caretaker boss Charlie McParland has shared a similar view – although he does understand why Gibbs-White made the call he did.
He told Team Talk on Notts TV: “I find that very bizarre. If there’s any doubt about a player and he’s got a slight injury then I think he should stay at his club.
“On the other hand, if it’s not had an injury and he’s gone to England and picked up a slight problem, we’re speculating of course.
“You don’t want to ruin his chances with England but because the new manager is coming in but it’s on the physio and if there’s a slight problem, you’ve got to look after your player.”
Gibbs-White had to go on England duty
As football supporters, we can only dream of being asked to represent our country and Gibbs-White was between a rock and a hard place.
Very few embody what playing for Forest should be all about but Gibbs-White does tick all of those boxes on the pitch.
He gives every ounce of his being when it comes to pulling on the Garibaldi and he cares deeply about establishing himself with England.
It’s a shame that something clearly flared up afterwards but ultimately, Forest should be extremely proud that their players are getting that sort of recognition.
Forest now face a nervous wait to see if Gibbs-White will be fit this week but the club should never actively encourage their stars to withdraw from international duty.
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