Phil Thompson believes Jonjo Shelvey could see his Newcastle United form rewarded with a trip to Russia this summer.
Phil Thompson has told Sky Sports that he expects Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to be a candidate for England’s World Cup squad this summer.
The former Liverpool and Swansea City ace had an indifferent first three or four months this season, but Shelvey has been a huge asset for Newcastle since the turn of the year and his performance in the 1-0 win over Manchester United last month was a glaring reminder of his talents.
But the 26-year-old, who has six England caps, hasn’t represented the Three Lions since a 2-0 win over France in November 2015 and manager Gareth Southgate has an abundance of midfield options to pick from.
Nevertheless, Liverpool legend Thompson believes that the Magpies star could be in contention to make the plane to Russia, so long as he works on the defensive side of his game in the coming months.
“I also think Jonjo Shelvey should be considered,” he told Sky Sports.
“He does something that most of our other midfield options don’t in always looking to play the ball forward, but he’s got to prove he can handle the defensive side as well.”
At the moment it seems unlikely that Shelvey will be selected, but if he can inspire United to Premier League safety, and replicate the standard he showed against the Red Devils, then there is every chance that Southgate could consider him a wildcard pick.
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