In Focus: Gibbs-White Mor than justifying Young Lions hype

Having stolen the headlines in his first meaningful Premier League campaign, Morgan Gibbs-White is spending the summer ripping it up for his country.

The Nottingham Forest attacker has led England's charge to the final of the Under-21 European Championship, scoring once and setting up three more along the way 

Ahead of Saturday's showdown with Spain, we profile one of the most exciting talents in English football.

Astonishing dosh

The perception of Gibbs-White has shifted considerably since Forest shelled out a fee that could reportedly exceed £40million to buy him from Wolves last August.

Spending that money on a player who had made just 48 Premier League appearances was laughed off as the Tricky Trees' latest madcap signing at the time — but not so much now.

The 23-year-old was instrumental for Steve Cooper's side last term, playing comfortably the most minutes of any player and producing the most goal involvements (13) to boot.

Having already won the 2017 World Cup at U-17 level, he now has the chance to secure more international silverware for the U-21s.

Pressing monster

Gibbs-White sets the tone for his excellent technical play with his doggedness out of possession.

He is tenacious when pressing from the front, regaining the ball the fourth-most of any Premier League attacking midfielder last season in both the middle and attacking thirds. 

His club boss Cooper said: "He's added a real maturity to his game and an understanding of the defending side — he's always worked hard."

That hunger to win the ball back will certainly interest the leading clubs in the country, who are bound to have their eyes on him.

Bread and butter

But it is the former Sheffield United loanee's ability in possession that truly stands him apart as one of the Three Lions' top prospects.

EFL supporters became aware of his quality during a temporary spell with the Blades when he scored 11 goals and assisted nine during a hugely impressive 2021-22 campaign.

And he did not let up at the City Ground. 

He ranked top for take-ons completed, fourth for big chances created and sixth for shots among his positional rivals in the Premier League last term.

Gibbs-White is still keen to improve, saying: "I feel like assists have been a big part of my game this season and I've carried that into the tournament. It's just about trying to get more goals now."

Scoring the opener in Wednesday's semi-final victory over Israel, as well as laying on three further goals throughout the competition, suggests that he is on the right path.

More to come

Gibbs-White would reportedly have been considered for Gareth Southgate's senior squad last month were it not for this competition — an indication of how highly he is regarded at St George's Park.

Though the forward is competing with some illustrious names for a place in Southgate's team, his eye-catching displays in Romania and Georgia will have done his prospects no harm.

Cooper believes that final step is imminent, saying: "He's played at every age group and that's what the development system is for, to try and get people into the senior team.

"But the best thing is that there is so much more to come, that's the exciting bit."

Leading England to victory on Saturday would boost his chances of contributing towards a tilt at Euro 2024 glory next summer even further.