Claims that Morgan Gibbs-White’s initial exclusion from the England squad affected his display as Nottingham Forest lost 1-0 to Coventry City on Saturday are ridiculous.
That is the opinion of experienced former Everton, Tottenham and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
Jay Dasilva’s goal was enough to separate the sides at the City Ground, with the midfielder failing to find the key moment Oliver Glasner’s team needed.
Gibbs-White was subsequently called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel following several drop-outs, and will finally have a long-awaited opportunity to impress the German.
The 26-year-old was hugely impressive last season, and it was almost inconceivable that he was completely ignored for the World Cup squad despite scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions.
The Nottingham Forest man has started well again this season, but could not prevent his team’s third defeat of the campaign.
Morgan Gibbs-White has been called up to the England squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures.
Congratulations, MGW! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bQG32hs6oo— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 21, 2026
Morgan Gibbs-White did not live up to ‘all the hype’ vs Coventry
It is unclear how Tuchel will choose to use Gibbs-White, and indeed how much, but he will have four games to potentially appear in.
England will kick off their Nations League group with a clash against World champions Spain on Saturday at Wembley Stadium, before travelling to Czechia and Croatia next week.
Czechia then return to Wembley for a final match before the Premier League returns.
“When you saw him against Coventry, all the hype did not stand up,” King told Football Insider when asked about Gibbs-White.
“People say: ‘Well, he was affected because he didn’t get picked for England.’ Bloody load of rubbish that is. You know, he’d been playing well in, for me, a very average football team in Nottingham Forest.
“Coventry went there, after four games – hadn’t won a game, hadn’t scored a goal – and came away with three points.”
He added: “Gibbs-White has certainly done enough in the opening month of the season to certainly be considered. He obviously has been considered because he’s been brought in there.”
Stats suggest Gibbs-White not to blame
Although he could not find the moment Nottingham Forest needed, Gibbs-White certainly did not hold them back against Coventry.
The midfielder created six chances – more than anyone on the pitch – and struck an extraordinary 19 line-breaking passes.
The England international also completed a successful dribble, four accurate long balls, won five duels and was fouled three times.
Gibbs-White will hope to put up similar numbers for England, and he will need to if he is to catch Tuchel’s eye.
