Morgan Gibbs-White Earns England Recall Backing After Inspirational Hat-Trick for Nottingham Forest

Vitor Pereira has backed Morgan Gibbs-White for a return to the England setup after the midfielder delivered a match-winning performance for Nottingham Forest in their emphatic victory over Burnley.

Gibbs-White struck a remarkable 15-minute hat-trick — the first of his professional career — as Forest came from behind to secure a commanding 4-1 win at the City Ground. The result lifted the Reds five points clear of the relegation zone with just five matches remaining in the Premier League campaign.

Despite his impressive form, Gibbs-White was overlooked for the most recent England national football team squad and faces stiff competition to secure a place at the upcoming World Cup. However, Pereira believes the 24-year-old has more than earned his opportunity on the international stage.

Pereira Praises Leadership and Character

Speaking after the match, Pereira was full of admiration for Gibbs-White’s influence, both on and off the ball.

“He deserves it — that is my opinion,” Pereira said.
“He deserves it because he has the quality and the qualities of a leader. When things are not going our way and the team is struggling, many players prefer to hide and avoid responsibility. That is not Morgan. He demands the ball and embraces responsibility. He wants to score and create chances.”

Pereira also highlighted the midfielder’s tactical intelligence and willingness to adapt to instructions.

“When I asked him to operate in the pockets during attacks and shift wide when we defend, he accepted without hesitation. He understands the game and has the right spirit.”

A Turning Point Performance

The Forest boss admitted Gibbs-White had endured a difficult first half, with the team struggling to find him in dangerous positions.

“At half-time, we felt he was not at his best because we were not finding him in the right areas,” Pereira added.
“But I challenged the players to show their quality and spirit, and he responded brilliantly.”

Gibbs-White’s clinical second-half display transformed the contest after Forest had trailed at the break. His hat-trick turned the game on its head, before Igor Jesus added a late goal to complete an impressive comeback victory.

Key Figure in Survival Fight

Pereira emphasised that Gibbs-White’s contribution extends beyond his technical ability, praising his mentality and leadership within the squad.

“He is a fantastic player for us — not only technically and tactically, but also in terms of character,” he said.
“We have more than one leader in this team, and through their example, they show unity and determination to fight until the final minute.”

With momentum building at a crucial stage of the season, Forest will be hoping their talismanic midfielder can continue to inspire their push for Premier League survival — and potentially force his way back into international contention.