A MOTM performance has persuaded punters the 22yo has the potential to go to Russia.
Watford heaped misery on West Ham with a 2-0 victory at Vicarage Road on the day’s only Premier League game on Sunday. It was the Hornets' Will Hughes that caught the eye, opening the scoring with a precise swivel and finish in the box then threading through Brazilian Richarlison who obliged and put the nail in the coffin.
This was only the 22-year-old’s third Premier League appearance and second start since his arrival from Derby County in the summer, yet the way he controlled the game from central midfield showed a maturity beyond his years. Hughes made his debut for Derby at just 16-years-old, and racked up 165 appearances whilst learning his trade in the Championship.
The playmaker has also been a regular player for the England U21s since 2012, holding the record as the second youngest player to represent them behind Theo Walcott. Playing under Gareth Southgate in the U21s has already fast tracked several youngsters into the first team; Just ask Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Dominic Solanke to name a few.
In recent friendlies - both ending goalless - England were crying out for a creative force in midfield. Whilst the obvious names that spring to mind are Harry Winks and Jack Wilshere, the Watford midfielder presents an interesting alternative.
Over the weekend, 20.75% of all bets on the England World Cup squad market were on Hughes. That number rises to 47.6% when solely look at bets since the 4pm match kicked off on Sunday. Available at 40/1 just over two weeks ago and 33/1 yesterday, he has been cut to as short as 16/1 to make the plane to Russia, whilst 25/1 is still on offer with one bookmaker.
Oddschecker spokesman, George Elek: 'There is no doubt that Southgate is happy to give youth a chance for England, but there must be concern as to whether Hughes is getting enough game-time to force himself into the World Cup reckoning. Jack Wilshere missed out on the last squad for that reason, so Hughes will need plenty more performances to stake his claim for a place on the plane.'
.@IanWright0 on @wjhughes19: 'I've been really impressed with him. He's the kind of midfielder #England are looking for. I'm looking forward to watching him progress at #WFC.' pic.twitter.com/hIDQA0yDCi
— BBC 606 (@bbc606) November 19, 2017
