Jayden Bogle’s impressive start to the season has sparked fresh discussion over whether the Leeds United defender deserves a chance with England, but one former Premier League player believes the way Bogle is being used at Elland Road could be working against him.
The 26-year-old has been one of Leeds’ most influential players during the early stages of the campaign, particularly with his attacking contribution from the right side. His performances have naturally led to questions about whether he should be considered for an England squad, especially with injuries affecting some of the national team’s established right-backs.
However, Leeds manager Daniel Farke previously urged patience when discussing Bogle’s international prospects.
Farke pointed out that several of his English players were performing well, but suggested that sustained form over a longer period would be needed before an England call-up could realistically be expected.
“All my players with an English passport are involved in delivering good performances at the moment but you have to do this over a mid- to long-term period,” Farke said.
That advice has proved relevant to Bogle, who ultimately did not receive a senior England call-up during the latest international break.
Bogle does have previous experience with England, having made four appearances for the Under-20 side around seven years ago. However, he has never been selected for the senior team and has remained outside the international picture for much of his career.
His recent performances for Leeds have changed that conversation to some extent.
With players such as Reece James and Tino Livramento dealing with injuries, there was a growing argument that Bogle could at least have been considered for the squad. His attacking instincts, energy and ability to contribute in the final third have made him an important part of Farke’s system.
Yet former Premier League defender and pundit Don Goodman believes there is another factor that may be preventing Bogle from getting serious consideration from England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
According to Goodman, the issue could be the difference between Bogle’s role at Leeds and the type of right-back role Tuchel has traditionally preferred.
Speaking to Betway, Goodman suggested that Bogle’s success as a wing-back may not necessarily translate directly into Tuchel’s preferred defensive structure.
“I think the big factor that goes against Jayden Bogle, who has been playing really well for quite a long time, is the fact that he’s been excelling as a wing-back,” Goodman said.
Tuchel has generally been associated with systems that can feature a conventional back four, although his tactical approach has evolved throughout his managerial career. That creates an important question for Bogle because much of his best work for Leeds has come when he is given freedom to attack from a wider position.
Bogle has experience playing as a traditional full-back, but Goodman believes Tuchel may primarily have seen him operating in the more advanced wing-back role.
“Thomas Tuchel traditionally plays with a flat-back four. Now obviously Jayden Bogle has played in flat-back fours, but I bet you Thomas Tuchel hasn’t seen him do that,” Goodman added.
There is also significant competition for places in England’s defensive positions.
Even with injuries affecting some established options, Tuchel has several players capable of operating at right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains an obvious option, while Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa can also provide defensive versatility.
Goodman also noted that Declan Rice has occasionally been moved into wider defensive areas, highlighting the number of alternatives available to the England manager.
For Bogle, however, the situation is relatively straightforward. His route into the England squad is likely to depend on continuing to perform at a consistently high level for Leeds.
Rather than becoming distracted by the absence of a call-up, the defender can focus on establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s more reliable attacking full-backs while also demonstrating that he can operate effectively in a traditional back four.
That could be particularly important if Tuchel continues to view defensive versatility and tactical discipline as major factors when selecting his squad.
Goodman believes Bogle ultimately has little choice but to keep producing.
“All he can do is keep producing really high-level performances and hope that Thomas Tuchel notices him and trusts him enough to give him an opportunity,” he said.
For Leeds, Bogle’s immediate priority will remain helping Farke’s side continue their progress in the Premier League. For the player himself, however, every strong performance could also serve as another reminder to the England manager.
The senior call-up has not arrived yet, but Bogle’s recent form has ensured that the conversation is no longer being ignored. If he can maintain that level over the coming months and prove he can excel in different defensive roles, his England ambitions may remain very much alive.
