Gareth Southgate has not yet called on Newcastle’s star pairing, but he should do if England are to be successful.
There have been calls from Newcastle United fans for some time now for Gareth Southgate to recognise the form of Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey with England call-ups.
Both players have been in outstanding form to inspire the Magpies and lift them into the top half of the Premier League table.
But it is also clear to see why Southgate has so far resisted the urge to bring Lascelles or Shelvey into the fold.
Lascelles is a fine defender, but he is not the ball-playing type Southgate clearly prefers. Shelvey has a sublime range of passing, but England are opting against a direct approach.
However, it is for this exact reasons that the Three Lions need Lascelles and Shelvey in their World Cup squad.
In an ideal world, Southgate’s side would progress through the group stage and launch an assault on the knockout stages while playing a fluid, attractive brand of football.
But that simply will not happen. Whether against Tunisia, Panama, Belgium or later in the competition, England will be forced to play a different way at some time or another.
If Belgium throw on Marouane Fellaini to attack crosses, a player like Lascelles would be far more useful than a John Stones.
Similarly, Shelvey’s passing would be ideal to break down a lesser side or play on the counter against a top team, combining with Jamie Vardy.
Southgate’s approach is admirable, but the lack of a plan B could seriously hinder England this summer.
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