Right Back: Nathaniel Clyne

Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner

Obtained from Google search “Nathaniel Clyne,” labeled for noncommercial reuse

Height: 175 cm

Weight: 67 kg

Senior Experience: 2008-present

Caps: 11

Club: Liverpool (English Premier League)

Season Statistics: 1 Goal; 0 Assists; 73 Tackles

Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:

Despite the experience in the middle of the back third, many expect youth to prevail at right back in the form of Nathaniel Clyne for the starting job in Hodgson’s squad in France. Although Clyne was only just named to the English national team in October 2014 for two qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia (BBC, 2014), the Liverpool defenseman has made six appearances overall in the qualifying phase for England (UEFA, 2016).

Making his full international debut with a 90 minute showing against Slovenia in November (McNulty, “Euro,” 2015), Clyne has continued to impress and show how he has registered 73 tackles in the English Premier League this season. With Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka likely starting at center, Clyne may have to fight off other young English talent like Chris Smalling and John Stones to make the start for Hodgson, but his skills at right back are likely to keep him on the pitch for the European championships. Critics have made note of the role he could play and the strength that he adds to the back line, making it seem likely that he will play a regular role in the back for the Three Lions, even if it is an unsung one (Kelly, 2016).

How to cite this article: “Right Back: Nathaniel Clyne” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/englands-projecting-starting-xi/right-back-nathaniel-clyne/ (accessed on (date)).