An online thread has tipped one Sunderland man to be playing for England in the 2026 World Cup.
Sunderland certainly have some bright young players in their ranks.
But right now the going is tough, with Sunderland winless in their last seven Championship games, and at risk of being dragged into a relegation fight.
As things stand, Mike Dodds‘ side sit in 12th place of the table and have a nine-point buffer to the relegation zone.
Though with eight games left, that gap could quickly close.
January was a key time for the club to bolster their ranks for the second half of the season, though the Black Cats’ January signings are yet to really impress.
Sunderland’s January transfer window
Sunderland signed three players in January; Leo Hjelde and Romaine Mundle on permanent deals from Leeds United and Standard Liege respectively, and Callum Styles on loan from Barnsley.
Hjelde has been the most prominent feature so far with nine Championship appearances to his name.
And it started well for the left-back, though changes in shape and an overall poor run of form seems to have exposed the 20-year-old somewhat.
Styles meanwhile has struggled to settle in; Dodds has played him in multiple positions but appears to be figuring out how to best utilise the Hungarian international.
Mundle meanwhile has featured eight times in the Championship with one goal.
Michael Graham comments on Romaine Mundle at Sunderland
Mundle was brought in, arguably to be a long-term successor to Jack Clarke.
But it’s not been plain sailing for the ex-Spurs man so far, who in Clarke’s absence has failed to provide the necessary spark in attack.
Now, an online thread has emerged claiming that Mundle will be representing England at the 2026 World Cup; a claim with journalist Michael Graham has shut down.
Graham posted on X:
Patience needed with Romaine Mundle
Like Graham says, Mundle remains someone with huge potential and with Sunderland, he could go on to become a very good, top-end Championship player.
This was the case with Clarke who didn’t blow anyone away during his earlier Sunderland days, but has since gone on to become arguably one of the best wingers in the country.
Mundle is very well-regarded and boasts a lot of similar attributes to Clarke in that he’s very forward-thinking, tricky, and offers a general burst of energy on the flank.
But it’s easy to forget that he’s barely played football in his career.
He’s now made more first-team appearances for Sunderland than any other club, and he’s only been here a couple of months.
The Championship is a gruelling league as well and this is a likewise time for Sunderland, so it’s not an easy introduction for Mundle.
But the fact that he has shown glimpses of potential during this tough time may suggest that he has the potential to become a top player.
But a World Cup inclusion in two year’s time sees a way off.