Former Manchester United centre-back Gary Pallister has backed Chris Smalling to become England captain one day.

Smalling, 25, has received a host of plaudits for the performances that he has produced at the heart of the United defence throughout 2015.

His transformation has not gone unnoticed by Pallister, who has backed the former Fulham man to eventually lead his country as long as he continues to progress at his current rate.

"He's been United's most consistent player this season. He's taken the role by the scruff of the neck and made that centre-half position his own producing commanding performance after commanding performance," the four-time Premier League winner told 888sport.

"Hopefully he transforms that into England performances and then he could be a future England captain. This year he's been captain-like. He's led from the front, been dogged, and been that kind of player people follow.

"Chris is in a rich vein of form but he needs to continue that over a period of time. If that's the case then people will start talking of him being a leader."

Smalling has made 166 appearances for United following his switch from the West Londoners in 2010.