Kieran Gibbs for England. Eventually.

Arsene Wenger thinks 20 year old Arsenal left back Kieran Gibbs is “ready to play” for England. I’d rather stick with Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge for World Cup 2010, thanks Arsene, but after watching Gibbs play in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Wolves today, I think we can definitely file Gibbs under “near future”.

First and foremost, this youngster is quick. Not just regular quick. Theo Walcott quick. More than once I saw him go past Michael Kightly like the Wolves winger was standing still, and as a Wolves fan I can tell you Kightly’s no slouch himself.

I may have mentioned this in an earlier post about Jack Wilshere (update: turns out I didn’t) but am happy to repeat it now: How great would it be if Arsenal started producing England internationals?

The quality of youngsters at the Emirates is arguably better than anywhere in the world right now, so if only one or two English players make it through that youth system and into the Arsenal first team, then we’ll have plenty to smile about.