Rafa Benitez has improved Newcastle’s defence and the performances of captain Jamaal Lascelles, but the defender may have a hard time getting into the England side as things stand.
Jamaal Lascelles may be uncapped at international level, but his exclusion from the latest England squad still sparked outrage. Newcastle United fans understandably felt that their outstanding captain deserved a call-up as a reward for his consistent performances.
But what if Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez – another popular figure on Tyneside – is hindering Lascelles’ international chances with his team selection?
Lascelles may be a regular in the heart of the Premier League side’s defence, but Newcastle are largely favouring a four-man back-line this season.
And England, for all of Gareth Southgate’s faults, are clearly leaning towards a three-man defence, with the Three Lions even shifting Kyle Walker out of position in the Netherlands on Friday to maintain this approach.
Southgate clearly wants players who are comfortable with the system and adept on the ball. And, like it or not, Newcastle’s current system doesn’t really suggest Lascelles – a superb defender – is either.
While hardly Harry Maguire, Lascelles is a good footballer, but he gets little opportunity to show this in a rigid Newcastle system.
And the only time Southgate will have seen Lascelles playing in a three has been against the Premier League’s best teams – where the former Nottingham Forest man is under siege and unable to show his class.
Until either Benitez or Southgate alter their approach, Lascelles’ wait for England honours may have to go on.
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