Chris Smalling is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team.
During his youth, Smalling played for the Millwall academy before joining local non-League side Maidstone United. He was selected for the Kent Schools under-17 squad in 2005 before progressing to the under-18s in 2007, and his performances for Kent Schools resulted in him being selected to play for the England Schools under-18 squad in 2008. During this time Smalling had also established himself in the Maidstone United first team, and his impressive displays for club and country led to him signing a two-year deal with Middlesbrough in May 2008.
Barely a month after signing for Middlesbrough however, Smalling had his contract with the club terminated after raising concerns with home sickness. Shortly after, in June 2008, he signed for Premier League side Fulham. He made his professional debut with them in May 2009 in the final game of the 2008–09 season and helped them reach the 2010 UEFA Europa League Final the following season.
In January 2010, Smalling signed a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United and joined them officially on 1 July. He made his competitive debut in the 2010 FA Community Shield victory over Chelsea which earned him his first career medal. Since his debut, he has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.
Smalling has represented England at various levels and is currently a member of the England senior squad. He played for the England Schools under-18 team in early 2008 before making his debut for the under-20 team and the under-21 team in 2009. He made his debut for the England senior squad in the 3–0 win over Bulgaria on 2 September 2011.
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