Chris Smalling

Who is Chris Smalling?

Christopher Lloyd "Chris" Smalling is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre back for 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-16 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 Europa League final the following season.