Sam Cooke and Chris Smalling

CHRIS SMALLING has suddenly become one of Manchester United and England’s most important players.

Not all that long ago the 26-year-old was the subject of fans’ wrath. Good enough for the top level? Do us a favour.
How times have changed. This season the defender has grown into the potential the Red Devils saw when they signed him from Fulham in 2010.
It’s been a remarkable rise for Smalling, who was playing in the Ryman League for Maidstone United in 2008.
Now his performances make him a certainty for Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions...