Kieran Gibbs has been Arsenal’s first choice left-back for over three years. However, his contribution to his beloved club has not seemed to have been picked up by the watchful eyes of England manager Roy Hodgson.

Gibbs has made 99 appearances over the last four seasons (including this one in progress) of which 85 have been starts – however, this has been blighted with injuries which you could see as an influential factor as to why other English full-backs like Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw have snuck into the radar before the Gunners star.

Furthermore, it would appear that Gibbs is in a lose, lose situation in the current period of English football due to Hodgson’s current philosophy. Whilst maintaining high quality through senior players such as Leighton Baines (who replaced Ashley Cole when he announced his international retirement) Hodgson has also gone to the shining youth in the Premier League, such as Luke Shaw who has impressed for Southampton - whereas Gibbs in right in the middle of this and so could be the reason for being overlooked. Also, Baines has always had other qualities which add to his defensive strengths such as his ability to score costless-kicks, penalties and provide assists with fantastic crosses from the left. Gibbs, on the other hand, has not completely developed this side of his game yet in the attacking areas and so could be too much of a one trick pony for any selection ‘risks’ from the England boss.

The Arsenal front runner is coming to the peak of his career as he enters his mid 20’s. This could prove to be a scare for the English defender as he could either kick start his international career in a couple years time (if Baines retires) by taking the next step and really start to show his potential for Arsenal. However, it could be almost too late for the Londoner as other full-backs could emerge in the near or more distant future, deeming him out of the equation. Gibbs has only made three appearances for the national team and it could be some time yet before he appears any more times wearing the Three Lions on his chest - maybe his qualities will creep into Roy Hodgson’s radar and he could be a late bloomer on the international stage or it could become too late and future managers may give up on him.

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