Conor Coady has already become one of England’s leaders.
Gareth Southgate revealed the Wolves captain has been such a hit during the international break that he was invited to join England’s leadership group.
Southgate set up the group during his reign to give players a voice with Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling regular members.
But with Sterling missing from this camp through injury, Coady was invited to step up which is a clear sign of his growing importance to the squad and also respect from the other players.
Coady is a loud voice on the pitch, is captain at Wolves and their Professional Footballers’ Association rep who was an authoritative voice through lockdown and the Project Restart negotiations.
Coady, 27, has made his presence felt on and off the pitch and now looks well placed not just to get into the squad for the Euros - but is pushing hard to be a regular starter.
England boss Southgate said: “In terms of the leadership group, it ends up having to change every time we’re together because we never, ever have a full squad to pick from.
"But Conor Coady has been a great addition into that, for sure.”
The other key point for Coady is that, despite his brilliant progression with Wolves for the past five years, the question has always been whether he can play in a conventional back four.
Southgate picked Coady last month because of injuries and also switching to a back three but the ex-Liverpool trainee has seized his opportunity and is the shining example of taking his chance.
Coady also showed against Denmark that he can play in a back four as he and Tyrone Mings were excellent when England reshuffled after having Harry Maguire sent off.
There is a clear argument that Coady is the best all-round English centre half right now.
Southgate added: “His performance against Denmark and the way him and Tyrone Mings organised the defence from the back really helped to keep us in that game.
“They showed tremendous character and resilience to lead the team from that position, as did Kyle Walker. The back four really did a fantastic job.
"I can't criticise any of the players in terms of the way they played. I thought they were excellent.”
