Shearer and Neville discuss Newcastle ace Shelvey’s World Cup chances

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Jonjo Shelvey starred for Newcastle against Man United on Sunday.

Alan Shearer and Phil Neville believe Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has a chance of achieving a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad this summer – but believe he must show consistency first.

The 25-year-old starred in the middle of the park on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle earned a surprise 1-0 win over Manchester United at St. James’ Park, outshining both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

Matt Ritchie’s second-half strike was enough to earn all three points for the Toon, as Shelvey earned the plaudits for a midfield masterclass that has prolonged Jose Mourinho’s dismal St. James’ Park record.

Speaking on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evening (BBC One, 10:35pm), both Shearer and Neville reckon the six-time England international must prove that he can play as he did against United on a regular basis to book his place on the plan to Russia.

Shearer: “Not at the minute, but he’s got to keep performing like that every single week, so if he does between now and the end of the season then they’ll have a decision to make – but right now, no.”

Neville: “It’s consistency with Shelvey. He can produce performances like this today, but can he do it away at Bournemouth next week? Can he do it the week after that? If he puts eight to 10 games in a row, he’s got the ability to play for England.”

The former Liverpool and Swansea City ace has had an indifferent 2017-18 campaign, with problems over his discipline seeing him come under criticism. He has been sent off twice this season.

Shelvey faces competition from the likes of Tottenham duo Harry Winks and Eric Dier, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, West Brom’s Jake Livermore and others for a place in the England midfield ahead of this summer’s tournament.

He is likely to start on Saturday as Newcastle travel to Bournemouth, and he must show his performance against Man United was not a one-off if he is to prove to Southgate he has what it takes to shine for the Three Lions.