EFL star tipped for Thomas Tuchel’s Euro 2028 squad despite being uncapped for England

Adrian Durham has backed uncapped Middlesbrough striker Will Lankshear to lead the line for England at Euro 2028.

Lankshear has shone following his summer move from Tottenham Hotspur to the Riverside, netting six goals for this title-challenging Boro side.

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The youngster's stock has soared considerably since leaving the capital outfit, who are yet to score a Premier League goal this season.

And speaking on Hawksbee & Jacobs, Durham believes that England boss Thomas Tuchel, who named his squad for the extended international break on Friday, will soon turn to the 21-year-old.

'He reminds me of Harry Kane'

"I really am a big fan of this guy," the talkSPORT stalwart began on Friday.

"I think had he gone to a lower Premier League side instead of Middlesbrough, he might have been in this squad.

"I think he is going to be the real deal.

"I've said this before on a Fiery Fridays talkSPORT daily, he is going to be an England striker. He'll probably even be at the Euros.

"I think he's brilliant. He has got the numbers, but it's more to his game than that.

"He can back it up with how he plays. I don't think he's got electric pace.

"In so many ways, he does remind me of Harry Kane.

"I'm not saying he's that good before anybody rings in, but I think he's got the potential to go on and be an England number nine of the future."

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Durham's previous Lankshear comments

Speaking on Fiery Fridays last month, Durham said that he felt Spurs would come to regret cashing in on Lankshear.

And ahead of the weekend's Premier League action, Durham's comments ring true.

That's because Spurs are one of two sides, along with newly promoted Coventry City, yet to score a league goal this season, while last season's top scorer, Richarlison, has been axed from the squad by head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

"Spurs selling Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough, I think will go down as the worst mistake any Premier League club has ever made," Durham said.

"I think even by the end of this season, Spurs will be regretting what I think is a crazy decision.

"Lankshear will play for England before the season is out. He’ll be an Arsenal player this time next year. For the second time in their recent history, Spurs have just sold Harry Kane."

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Durham continued: "Unless Spurs add goals before the end of the transfer window [on 1 September], they will be watching Will Lankshear, their product, smash in 20-plus [goals] for Boro, wishing he could be doing the same for them because Tottenham will need ways to find the back of the net.

"Last season, Lankshear scored double figures for a poor side in the Championship. His numbers at Oxford United were better than anything Harry Kane achieved in his loan spells as a young Spurs player.

"What I like about his play is, if you’ve not seen him play, he’s not just goals. He’s got many qualities. I’ve seen him described as a penalty box striker and he converts chances, he is a finisher for sure.

"Like any striker, most of his goals are scored in the box. I’ve seen him score from distance. He’s capable of the spectacular. He’s calm, movement is a bit special, strong, good in the air. He makes terrific runs. He can assist as well."