Exciting World Cup connection made as Jacob Ramsey adds to his growing list of fans

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey has been tipped as a 'wildcard' option for the England squad at the Qatar World Cup.

The 20-year-old has had a breakthrough season at Villa with six goals and one assist to his name in 24 starts. In the process, he has caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate.

Speaking about the possibility of a call up for the most recent set of international friendlies, Southgate said: “I think Jacob is doing really well. I think at this time Conor Gallagher is slightly ahead, but they are both pushing Jude (Bellingham), who has been in our squad for a while. Those two are really pushing some of the older players in that group as well."

So Ramsey had to settle for England under 21s this time, but continued to impress with a stunning effort in a 4-1 victory over Andorra.

However, with his first senior call yet to come, Ramsey has a fan in BBC pundit Danny Murphy, who is tipping the Villa youngster to get the World Cup nod. In his latest article for the Daily Mail, Murphy said: "I’d include Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as a wildcard.

"England have secure, defensively-minded midfielders in Kalvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice. So, for balance, they can afford to add the likes of Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher and Ramsey, who have creativity."

Ramsey played the full 90 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, but couldn't prevent his side losing 2-1.