Howe rates defender Steve good enough for England

EDDIE HOWE is backing Steve Cook to follow Bournemouth team-mate Callum Wilson into the England squad.

Wilson became the first Cherries player to score for England when he marked his debut with the final goal in the

3-0 win over the

USA last week.

Howe believes defender Cook must also have caught Gareth

Southgate’s eye, saying: “I think he certainly would have a chance, whether that’s in the immediate future or the longterm future.

“He’s been the model of consistency for a period of time in the Premier League and there are not many English centrebacks performing at his levels.

“I’m sure he is in Gareth’s mind. You need a little bit of luck along the way to get that call but I think Cookie has been one of our most consistent performers. Representing your country is something you dream of and one of the ultimate goals in football. To do that regularly you have to be consistent at club level.

“Over the last few seasons he has become accustomed to the Premier League; the speed, the pace and the intensity of it. As a defender you are up against a different challenge every week.

“Athletically the forward players are so quick these days there is a big responsibility on the defenders. You have to be able to match that.

“Physically he has looked really good this year and mentally he has matured as the seasons have gone on.

“That is a natural evolution through age, that if you can you find thing things that work for you on a good level and I think he h i

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