Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been in excellent form for Rafael Benitez’s side this season.
Shelvey has not featured in an England squad since 2015, but his form for Newcastle this season has been impressive.
The central midfielder has played regularly for the Magpies, as Rafael Benitez’s side have avoided relegation.
And Hoddle claims that he has seen enough in Shelvey to take him to Russia in the summer.
“It might surprise a few people when I say I would take Jonjo Shelvey to the World Cup, as he is a maverick who hasn’t played in qualifying matches,” Hoddle said of the £12 million signing from Swansea in 2016.
“The one thing he provides which England lack, with Adam Lallana’s fitness in question, is a pass from midfield which opens doors. He can pick out players with a precisely-weighted ball over the top or a pass threaded through a group of defenders.
“Shelvey is a player you would bring on for the last 15 minutes. If you need a goal, he can unlock defences and if you’re winning and a team is attacking you, he has the ability to launch a quick counterattack and open a team up.”
Whether Gareth Southgate will consider the Newcastle man remains to be seen, as he has consistently overlooked him so far.
Shelvey’s form at St. James’ Park has led to many Magpies fans calling for Shelvey to be given a chance on the international stage, but the likes of Jake Livermore, Harry Winks and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all been picked ahead of him.
Shelvey has formed a partnership with Mohamed Diame at Newcastle in recent months, which has proved to be very effective.
Shelvey will next be in action later today, when Newcastle take on Chelsea.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
