How Tariq Lamptey compares with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea's Reece James

Brighton's Tariq Lamptey played 90 minutes for England under-21s against Andorra in midweek

With Gareth Southgate’s desire to seemingly integrate England’s next batch of ‘Young Lions’ into the national team squad, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey can’t be too far from his mind.

Throughout England’s 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, the evidence was clear to see as 17-year-old Borrusia Dortmund midfielder, Jude Bellingham, was handed his first international cap for the Three Lions during the second half.

Across the entirety of England’s 2020 Nations League campaign, Southgate has opted to employ a 5-3-2 formation, with wing-backs operating fluidly on either flank.

Lamptey, who played a full 90 minutes for the under-21s against Andorra in midweek, seems to be a perfect candidate for a spot in the senior starting-XI in the near future due to his high-quality performances on a consistent basis.

Tariq Lamptey scores his first premier League goal for Brighton at Tottenham

However, Lamptey’s path into Southgate’s squad looks like a potentially daunting task during the current climate, due to the tough competition within the England squad.

Tariq Lamptey

Since Lamptey’s arrival on the Sussex shores, he’s been one of the first names on Graham Potter’s teamsheet.

The 20-year-old completed his transfer to the Seagulls on deadline day in January 2020, shortly after putting in an eye-catching performance for his former club Chelsea, as they came from a goal down to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has 12 caps so far for England

Despite making a permanent move to the south coast in the winter of 2020, Lamptey had to wait until ‘Project Restart’ after the United Kingdom’s national COVID-19 lockdown to make his debut for the club.

He impressed when making his Brighton bow as the club saw out a 0-0 draw with Leicester City.

What has made the England Under-21 international a fans’ favourite already is his knowledgeable head on young shoulders.

Lamptey has shown composure to his game which would be expected of that from 32-year-old teammate, Adam Lallana, and due to his immense youth, he will only get better.