Sunderland star Chris Rigg was supposed to be on international duty with England’s U19s during the November break, but was withdrawn from the side.
Chris Rigg has played a lot of football already this season, having featured 14 times in the Championship, once in the Carabao Cup, and four times for England’s U18s.
The 17-year-old is yet to show any signs of slowing down, though, continuing his impressive form.
Rigg was labelled Sunderland’s ‘best player’ against Preston earlier this month, putting in a solid shift against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light last time out as well.
Real Madrid and Manchester United target Rigg was called up feature for the England U19s this month, for what would’ve been the first time.
But on Monday evening, it was revealed that Rigg had withdrawn from international duty this month, returning to Sunderland who are next in action away at Millwall on November 23rd.
Sunderland boost as Chris Rigg’s England withdrawal ‘not injury-related’
Sunderland fans will be delighted to hear that Rigg’s withdrawal from international duty is ‘not injury-related’, per journalist James Copley.
Instead, Copley suggests that Rigg’s withdrawal is because of a ‘duty of care’, due to the player having played so much football for club and country already this season, and still being at such a young age.
Copley posted on X: “Understand the withdrawal not injury-related. Rigg has played a lot of football recently and will be needed for Millwall.
“Sunderland, England and Rigg all happy with the outcome. Duty of care to the player. Good opportunity for a break and some rest.”
Chris Rigg tipped for senior England bow one day
Rigg already has 34 appearances for England at various levels, having played at all of U15, U16, U17, and U18 level.
An U19 cap surely lies ahead in the next international break in March 2025, or potentially evening an U21 call up should he keep on impressing.
Then one day in the future, it really wouldn’t be surprising if Rigg pulls on the senior shirt, which he has already been tipped to do so.
SAFC Live pundit Danny Collins predicted earlier this season that Sunderland pair Jobe Bellingham and Rigg would become future England stars.
Collins said: “They’re in the set-ups, so they’re getting a taster of it, with the younger age groups.
“But keep on going. Young lads isn’t it. But if they’re doing things right, age is just a number, isn’t it?”