Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff’s career has had way more ups and downs than that of a typical 25-year-old professional footballer.
In 2019 he broke into Newcastle’s first-team under Rafa Benitez and very quickly established himself as a capable Premier League midfielder. He was influencing games, starting to score goals, and attracting attention from the England manager.
When Newcastle United travelled to West Ham in March 2019 he went head-to-head with another young, prospective England midfielder: Declan Rice. Gareth Southgate’s Assistant Manager, Steve Holland, was in the stands to observe the pair ahead of an imminent England squad announcement. Both players were in contention for their first senior international call-up.
