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Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has earned high praise from England coach Fabio Capello ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifier in Bulgaria.
The 21-year-old has impressed for the Red Devils in the opening games of the new season, fighting in well into a new role at right-back for the Premier League champions.
Those displays have clearly helped catch the eye of Capello, who commented: "He surprised me when he played at Wembley in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
"He played well. In fact, the four games that he's played at right-back, he's played really well.
"I always saw him play in central defence before, but he is playing with confidence. He has improved and improved."
While Smalling looks likely to start for England, United team-mate Phil Jones may have to wait a little longer for his bow, with Capello adding: "Some are ready, some are probably a risk because they didn't play at this level in such important games with the national team.
"When you play important games for your club, you know the players who play with you, their movement, where you receive the ball.
"Here it's different. You play with the other team-mates, but sometimes you are alone."
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