Sunderland boasts a promising roster of young talents who are expected to shine on the international stage in the future.
Currently, Sunderland features several international players, including Chris Mepham, Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Niall Huggins, Salis Abdul Samed, Alan Browne, Jewison Bennette, and Ian Poveda.
Yet, it is their younger prospects who are generating the most excitement, with many already predicted to secure spots on the England national team in the coming years.
Jobe Bellingham is anticipated to follow in his brother’s footsteps, while Chris Rigg is making significant strides in youth football. Anthony Patterson is also seen as a potential successor to Jordan Pickford, and Dan Neil is another player expected to represent England. However, Dennis Cirkin might be the closest to earning his first cap.
Cirkin, born in Dublin but having progressed through England’s youth ranks, played for the U20 team in 2021. Following a strong start to this season, journalist Michael Graham suggests that Cirkin could be nearing the status of England’s top left-back. Graham noted on X: “With a centre-back playing left-back for England, it makes you wonder how close Dennis Cirkin is to being England’s best available left-back.”
Having returned from injury and been one of Sunderland’s standout performers this season, Cirkin has already contributed a goal and an assist.
Although England chose Chelsea’s Levi Colwill for the left-back position in their recent win over the Republic of Ireland, with Luke Shaw’s injury issues affecting his international play, Cirkin faces competition from Ben Chilwell, Tyrick Mitchell, James Justin, and potentially fit-again Shaw and Rico Henry.
Nonetheless, Cirkin’s performance in the Premier League next season could enhance his chances. While Championship players rarely receive England call-ups, Cirkin’s quality and potential make him a worthy candidate for a senior cap.
His chances would improve significantly if Sunderland were promoted, though ongoing injury concerns could pose a challenge.
