Will Lankshear's 13 goals in 13 games have Middlesbrough dreaming of promotion and England
Will Lankshear scored twice in Middlesbrough's 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic, taking his tally to 13 in 13 league games since a £20m summer move from Tottenham. The result leaves Boro two points clear at the top of the Championship, and pundit Aaron McLean believes promotion is key to keeping him.
- Score: Middlesbrough 3-0 Charlton Athletic
- Lankshear's tally: 13 goals in 13 league games since £20m move from Tottenham
- League position: Middlesbrough two points clear at the top of the Championship
- Pundit verdict: Aaron McLean says Lankshear could be an England international in the next few years
- Key condition: McLean warns Boro must win promotion to keep the striker
What was said
"Before a ball was kicked this season, I said Will Lankshear would be an England international in the next few years. I watched him at Oxford last season and I loved the way he played and the way he scored goals in a struggling team. He's got something, that X-factor. Now he's showing exactly why Middlesbrough spent £20m on him. The biggest thing for Boro is making sure they get promoted with him in order to keep him."
"The longer he keeps up this type of form, he's just giving himself a bigger price tag and a bigger reputation and before long, bigger clubs will be coming and saying, 'We need a Will Lankshear in our side'. I think England is too soon. For his progression, I don't think he needs to be thrown into that limelight yet. He just needs to make sure he has a good season, finish top goalscorer in the Championship, get himself into the Premier League and then those type of questions will be asked."
McLean's comments underline the dual challenge facing Middlesbrough. On the pitch, Lankshear is delivering the goals that have fired them to the summit. Off it, his form is inflating his value and attracting attention from bigger clubs. The pundit's warning is clear: promotion is the only way Boro can hope to keep their star striker beyond this season.
McLean also counselled patience regarding England. He believes Lankshear should first prove himself in the Premier League before being considered for senior international honours. For now, the focus remains on firing Middlesbrough back to the top flight.
The numbers
- 13 – Lankshear's league goals this season
- 13 – league appearances since his £20m move
- £20m – fee Middlesbrough paid Tottenham
- 3-0 – Middlesbrough's win over Charlton
- 2 – points clear at the top of the Championship
Analysis: Why Lankshear's form is a double-edged sword for Boro
Will Lankshear has been the signing of the season in the Championship. His 13 goals in 13 games have propelled Middlesbrough to the top of the table and justified the £20m outlay. But as McLean notes, such form inevitably attracts suitors. The striker's ability to score in a struggling team – as he did at Oxford last season – suggests he has the mental resilience to succeed at a higher level.
For Middlesbrough, the priority is clear: win promotion. If they fail, they face a summer of speculation and potentially a massive bid for their prized asset. If they succeed, they can offer Lankshear Premier League football – the stage he craves – and justify keeping him.
McLean's advice to delay England calls is sensible. Throwing a young striker into the international spotlight prematurely can be counterproductive. Lankshear's development would be better served by continuing to score goals in the Championship, then testing himself in the Premier League, before earning a senior call-up.
Talking points
- Is Lankshear ready for the Premier League, or should he stay in the Championship if Boro go up?
- Should England consider him now, or wait until he proves himself at the top level?
- Will Middlesbrough be able to keep him if they don't win promotion?
- Is £20m now looking like a bargain for a striker with 13 goals in 13 games?
What happens next
Middlesbrough's next fixture is a chance to extend their lead at the top. The January transfer window could bring bids for Lankshear, but Boro will be desperate to hold on. Promotion is the ultimate goal, and Lankshear's goals will be central to that pursuit.
Frequently asked questions
How many goals has Will Lankshear scored for Middlesbrough?
Will Lankshear has scored 13 goals in 13 league games since his £20m move from Tottenham.
What did Aaron McLean say about Will Lankshear and England?
McLean said he predicted Lankshear would be an England international in the next few years but thinks a senior call-up is too soon for him.
Why might Middlesbrough struggle to keep Will Lankshear?
McLean warned that if Middlesbrough don't win promotion, bigger clubs will come calling for the striker.
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