Martin Keown has told BT Sport’s coverage of West Ham beating Anderlecht that summer signing Flynn Downes will be on the “radar” of England and manager Gareth Southgate – having played for the U19 and U20 England sides.
The 23-year-old is starting to break into West Ham’s side and has earned plenty of plaudits from West Ham fans. He has sparkled in the Europa Conference League, shining in wins over Anderlecht both in Belgium, and at home.
The six-time England Under-20 international has only managed two substitute appearances for the Hammers. Coming on as a sub on the opening day of the campaign, and their last outing – a 3-1 win over London rivals Fulham.
With Downes impressing against Belgian giants Anderlecht on Thursday night, Keown was full of praise for the £12million addition. Keown says that he will be on England’s radar, as he continues to learn from Declan Rice.
“He’s been on the England scene. So he’s on the radar, he’s got to make that next step. Rice has improved under Moyes, Downes looks like a similar player. Maybe he replaces Rice. West Ham fans won’t want to hear me say that.”
Keown: West Ham signing Downes will be on radar of England, like Rice
It is a big claim from Keown. Firstly, Downes should be focusing on breaking into the West Ham midfield on a regular basis. Indeed, he needs to start games in the Premier League before he has any chance of earning England caps.
There is certainly clamour for Downes to get a go in the Premier League. Declan Rice obviously starts in midfield, with Tomas Soucek still first choice. But the Czech Republic international is not in the best of form this season.
So, Downes certainly has a chance to break into the side. Whether he does this weekend is another question, with Downes playing 90 minutes on Thursday. But he will surely get a longer sub outing, after his Anderlecht display.
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