Graham Potter praises his leader Lewis Dunk despite missing out for England

The 29-year-old had been tipped for a recall to Gareth Southgate’s squad for their upcoming Euro Qualifiers after impressing in recent weeks for the Seagulls.

He had scored his fourth goal in their win over Southampton on Sunday to make him the joint-top scoring centre back this season along with Manchester City’s John Stones and Kurt Zouma.

That goal also moved him to second in the top scorer charts for Albion this campaign, with only Neal Maupay (7) having scored more.

But despite not getting a recall for his country, Potter insists his skipper will be a key player for them in their last ten games of the season.

He said: He’ll be really important, and he’s getting better and better.

“It’s his second season as captain and he leads more naturally by example; he wears his heart on his sleeve and he takes on the responsibility of performing to the highest level and he’s been the best player since I have been at the club.

“So, he leads in that regard, but he’s also developing just how to lead as a man, as a person off the pitch and on it. He’s been a credit to himself, I am really proud of him.”

Dunk was not the only Albion player who was being tipped for the squad, with fellow defender Ben White also in the running for a first senior call-up.

The 23-year-old has caught the eye for the Seagulls in his debut season in the Premier League.

He has only missed one of their 28 league games so far this season and he has shown his versatility playing at centre back, right back and as a defensive midfielder.

In terms of the England squad there were first senior call-ups for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, while Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham has been called up despite concerns over his availability.

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford had been widely tipped for a call-up, but Southgate has turned to Watkins, who has impressed since joining Villa from Brentford in the summer.

Johnstone, who has shone for the embattled Baggies this season, gets his maiden call-up following an injury to No.1 Jordan Pickford.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is conspicuous by his absence from a squad that sees Luke Shaw, John Stones and Jesse Lingard return after long absences.

Southgate admits there had been some “close calls” when selecting his squad, including the decision to include Watkins over Bamford.

He said: “(Bamford) was very close. There are a number of positions in this squad that have been really close calls and we felt we wanted an extra striker.

“We’re really pleased with Harry (Kane) and (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin and what they’ve done. Tammy Abraham hasn’t really been involved for Chelsea over the last six weeks.

“Both Ollie and Patrick in particular, their goals record has been good. We like the personalities of both. Ollie is a player we’ve had less interaction with in the past.

“It’s going to be good to get to know him.

“We like his pressing, the speed and the runs in behind.

“He’s got some improvement to make in linking the game, but in his first season in the Premier League, he’s done exceptionally well.

Southgate confirmed Pickford’s injury had created a space for Johnstone, with Newcastle’s Karl Darlow having been considered.

He said: “Karl has had a very good season for Newcastle. He’s probably found himself out of the team at the wrong time in many regards really.

“But Sam, in a team that has had a difficult season, has kept a very good level of performance. He’s comfortable in possession as well as keeping the ball out of his net.”