Coventry City are about to sign a ‘top’ player who ‘will play for England’ in the future

Add as preferred source on Google

Coventry City were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship play-off semi-final, and Frank Lampard is using this summer to round up his troops for another promotion push.

While several Championship clubs have been pressing hard to complete their business, Coventry have only added two new faces to their squad.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden joined Coventry from Aston Villa for £3.5 million, and his switch to the Sky Blues came after a free transfer move for left-back Miguel Angel Brau.

After announcing Kesler-Hayden at the start of July, Frank Lampard is closing in on his third signing of the summer transfer window, someone once tipped to become a future England international.

• READ MORE: Michael Smith shares emotional message to Sheffield Wednesday fans after Owls exit, ‘your club will…’

Luke Williams thinks Carl Rushworth will play for England

Lampard chopped and changed between the sticks last term as three different players grabbed the number one jersey.

Brad Collins, Oliver Dovin and Ben Wilson were all used by the former Chelsea midfielder at one point, with Coventry now looking for a stable first-choice.

According to journalist Alex Crook, the Sky Blues are closing in on the signing of Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on a season-long loan.

Rushworth was loaned to Hull City last term, but only made three appearances after suffering an injury and was recalled by the Seagulls in January.

However, it was in the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Swansea City where he truly made a name for himself, with the 24-year-old playing every single game in the Championship.

Remarkably, his performances warranted high praise from former Swans boss Luke Williams, who tipped him to become an England international in the future.

“That’s pretty good isn’t it?,” Williams said via BBC Sport in April 2024. “He has been out there on the big stage and done it on the pitch. Everyone can see that. I think he will play for England – he is that good. It’s not just about how good you are as a player, it’s also the personality, and he is top.

“He will be the first to say that he has worked with the top goalkeeper coach in the country and it’s been a really good experience for him as well.”

• READ MORE: Hull City fans angered as ‘class player’ set to join Championship rivals, ‘had our pants down’

Rushworth will fit into Frank Lampard’s play style

In the modern game, most goalkeepers are required to play out from the back, and that is why Lampard is keen to land Rushworth.

The Englishman is comfortable in possession and is capable of playing out from defence, something Williams noticed during his time at Swansea.

Rushworth averaged an 89% pass completion in his own half and completed 32% of his long balls accurately, which proves he perfectly fits into Lampard’s possession-oriented system.

Should the Brighton gloveman avoid picking up injuries and showcase similar levels to his time at Swansea, he will be a smart pick up by Coventry.