West Ham, Middlesbrough, Hull City and Watford stars feature
England’s Jordan Henderson in action as England interim manager Gareth Southgate looks on
In a few weeks time, another international break will be upon us as England set about further cementing their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
First they will face a friendly against reigning world champions Germany, before hosting lowly Lithuania at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier.
It’s these sorts of games where England manager Gareth Southgate should look to shuffle the pack and bring in players who are performing well in the Premier League, as there’s no risk involved. Here are five players Southgate should be including.
Michail Antonio – West Ham United
Quite how Antonio hasn’t got an England call up yet is beyond most fans, as was Southgate inexplicably calling up Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend ahead of the West Ham man for his last squad, despite Townsend having a shocker of a season. Antonio has continued his excellent form from last campaign with eight goals and three assists for the Hammers, and should really be one of the first names on the list.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard in action with Middlesbrough’s Calum Chambers
Calum Chambers – Middlesbrough (on loan from Arsenal)
The 22-year-old defender was sent out on loan from Arsenal to Middlesbrough at the start of the season to gain some more Premier League experience, and the former Southampton man has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Chambers has been outstanding on Teesside and has become a key part of a Boro defence which has the joint fifth best defensive record in the division – ironically tied with the Gunners – and fully deserves a call up.
Harry Maguire – Hull City
While Hull have a massive battle on their hands at present to avoid relegation, they will have another one keeping Maguire in the summer if they do go down. The 23-year-old has been a rare shining light for the Tigers this season, with several commanding displays beyond his young age at the heart of Hull’s defence. With Everton dropping Phil Jagielka in recent weeks, now seems a perfect time to give Maguire a go.
Watford’s Troy Deeney celebrates scoring their first goal
Troy Deeney – Watford
With Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge both being pushed out of the picture at Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, a strong manager would drop the pair of them and replace them with in-form players – which would open a massive door for someone like Troy Deeney. The Watford captain has eight goals and three assists in 26 Premier League matches for the Hornets – double the goals that Rooney and Sturridge have combined – and should be considered regardless of what happens with Rooney and Sturridge.
Andy Carroll – West Ham United
Carroll is in a similar situation to Deeney, with the powerful striker finding the net six times in 12 appearances for West Ham this season, and should be considered for a call up – especially if Rooney and Sturridge are to be dropped. The only reservation over Carroll is regarding his fitness, as he’s just coming back from yet another injury. If he can stay fit, then there’s no reason why he can’t make the squad.
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