Ben Gibson could be called up by England manager Sam Allardyce for next month's World Cup qualifiers.

The Sun is reporting that the Middlesbrough defender is in line for his international debut following a solid beginning to life in the Premier League under Aitor Karanka.

The 23-year-old centre-back was an England U21 regular until last year and could now be the next promising youngster to be handed an opportunity at senior level by the Three Lions coaching staff.

Nunthorpe-born Gibson, a left footer, will provide competition for Chelsea's Gary Cahill and Manchester City's John Stones in the centre of defence for England for the October 8 meeting with Malta at Wembley or the trip to Slovenia three days later.

If he does not make that cut, the reports indicates he may still be considered for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland and preceding friendly with Spain in November.

Gibson has been linked with Chelsea in recent times with reports suggesting the West London club see him as a potential long-term replacement for John Terry.