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Boro’s Gibson called to England after injury to Man Utd’s Smalling

Middlesbrough v Everton - Premier League

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Romelu Lukaku of Everton controls the ball under pressure of Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Everton at Riverside Stadium on February 11, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

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Scoring goals has been the biggest problem for Middlesbrough in its return to the Premier League, and that overshadows how well the Northeast club has defended its own goal.

Ben Gibson has been a huge part of that, and now he’ll earn the chance to represent his nation thanks to an injury to Chris Smalling. Gibson will join England ahead of Sunday’s home World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

[ MORE: Podolski leads Germany past England ]

Gibson has far and away been Boro’s best player, leading the side in blocked shots and clearances. The blocked shots total is tied for ninth in the Premier League, 11 behind current leader and new England teammate Michael Keane.

Smalling’s undisclosed injury is a bigger problem for Manchester United, which had already lost center back depth on England duty when Phil Jones was hurt.

Follow @NicholasMendola