England hope for Lascelles
RAFA BENITEZ believes Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles could stake a late claim for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Benitez’s decision to hand the 24-year-old the armband 18 months ago has been vindicated with Lascelles proving an inspirational leader and articulate spokesman. And the manager is in no doubt the former Nottingham Forest youngster is at least the equal of Michael Keane and Harry Maguire, both of whom are tipped to be on the plane to Russia in the summer.
“For sure, he is in that group,” said Benitez. “Jamaal has great potential because he is keen to learn in every training session.
“Has he a chance for the World Cup? If he can improve a lot during these months – and I am sure he will continue improving – then you never know.
“He’s not in the squad yet but if they have a couple of problems, maybe he could be there.”
Lascelles has recovered from a groin injury to face bottom-of-the-table Swansea who will arrive with manager Carlos Carvalhal unbeaten as a manager at St James’ Park, sealing 1-0 wins there with Sheffield Wednesday in 2015 and 2016.
He said: “Newcastle is a nice environment, it is one I enjoyed a lot having the opportunity to take a team there twice. I don’t think it is intimidating. “It is a good ground, but we must look at this game and this situation as an opportunity for the players to show their abilities, their quality.
“We must not see it as a threat or something negative. It is the opposite. It is positive, a chance for us to try to play football and fight for the three points.”