AARON WAN-BISSAKA is the answer to one of the more difficult football quiz questions.
That poser is: Which player has cost the most money without making a single England international appearance?
Yet the one-time £50million Manchester United defender has breathed new life into his flagging career with a summer move to West Ham.
And if the right-back keeps playing like he is at the moment, there is no reason why he could not be in the frame for a call-up by Thomas Tuchel when the German takes over as England manager in a month.
Wan-Bissaka was included in then Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s squad in November 2019 but the Croydon-born star withdrew with a back injury.
The 27-year-old, who played for the DR Congo Under-20s side in 2015 before appearing for England U20s and U21s, has proved to be a relative snip at £15m for West Ham.
Under Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, he has added a more attacking dimension to his game which for the most part was lacking in his largely underwhelming five years at Old Trafford after his 2019 switch from Crystal Palace.
Ahead of this evening’s home derby clash with Arsenal, Lopetegui said: “Aaron is a good player, he has started a new period in his life here, building a new career at West Ham.
“He is very happy here and we are very happy with him and we trust in him.
“When you are in a new group, it is not easy at first.
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“But step-by-step, he is adapting better. He can improve offensively. And the most important thing is that Aaron wants to improve. He was a good signing for the club.”
A couple of years ago, it was no surprise that Wan-Bissaka was out of the picture with England as Southgate had an embarrassment of riches on the right side of defence.
But Manchester City’s Kyle Walker has suffered a huge drop in form, and doubts remain over Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in this position for England.
Chelsea’s Reece James continues to suffer injury problems, while Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier retired from international football in August.
Arsenal’s Ben White has previously stated he does not want to play for the national team and Reds star Joe Gomez has struggled with injuries and form.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, 22, and Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis, 20, have huge potential, but Tuchel might go for some experience when he names his first squad in March.
So, maybe there could be an opening for Wan-Bissaka.
Asked about England, Lopetegui said: “This question is for Tuchel not for me.
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel's signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag - and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England's thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.
“I would like all my players in the English national team.
“For me, the most important thing is that Aaron remains hungry and wants to improve.
“His attitude tells me he is able to achieve anything.”
Defender Max Kilman, a £40m summer buy from Wolves, is another Irons star who could be in the frame for Tuchel.
As for Lopetegui, he is merely hoping West Ham can continue where they left off against Newcastle after Monday’s impressive 2-0 win.
The Spanish coach has a few injury doubts but one player who could eventually be in action soon is £27.5m signing Niclas Fullkrug.
German striker Fullkrug, 31, has only played four times since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in August due to an Achilles injury but Lopetegui could get him back next month.
The Hammers boss said: “I hope he is in the last part of his recovery. Let’s see.
“He’s not going to be ready for the next two or three matches but I know he is feeling better.”
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