Is Jamaal Lascelles’ form for Newcastle worthy of an England call-up?

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Jamaal Lascelles has been in fine form for Newcastle so should he be included in the England squad ahead of, say, Everton’s Michael Keane?

Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United celebrates after he scores the winning goal during the Premier League match against Stoke City.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles was once again the match winner for Newcastle United in the Premier League at the weekend, heading in their second in a 2-1 victory against Stoke City.

This came a week after Lascelles also scored a header at Swansea City to help the Magpies to three successive wins, which has now moved them up to fourth in the table.

Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United celebrates with Joselu after he scores his side’s first goal during the Premier League match against Swansea City.

Still only 23-years-old the centre-back was named skipper by manager Rafa Benitez ahead of the 2016/17 campaign in the Championship and he has since impressed with his leadership and performances.

It also raises the debate about whether England boss Gareth Southgate should be considering Lascelles for his next squad – especially when others in the position have been struggling for form.

For his last squad for the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying matches against Malta and Slovakia, Southgate named six central defenders – Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, Michael Keane, Harry Maguire, Chris Smalling and John Stones.

England player Phil Jones (l) in action as Gary Cahill reacts during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier against Slovakia at Wembley Stadium.

Cahill and Jones played both the matches, which were won 4-0 and 2-1, which is perhaps little surprise with the duo having featured regularly for their respective clubs Chelsea and Manchester United this season.

Stones has also generally impressed for Manchester City in 2017/18, but beyond that there is an argument Lascelles should be ahead of the other trio.

Maguire is a new face having been called up following his summer move to Leicester City, but Smalling is one of the old guard and has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho. Keane also made a summer switch, joining Everton, but has failed to impress as the Toffees have struggled for form and conceded ten league goals already.

It would be difficult to argue if Lascelles, based on his recent displays, was named ahead of any of those three by Southgate for upcoming qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.