Mags boss tips Lascelles to make England step-up

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has told Gareth Southgate to take a close look at Magpie captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Lascelles (pictured) has represented England at every level up to the Under-21 team, but he hasn’t yet been called up into the senior squad.

Benitez, however, believes Lascelles has the attributes needed to make the step up to international football.

“Always I say the same, he has plenty of room for improvement,” said the Spaniard. “He has a great attitude. He’s working on his leadership as a captain, so I think it’s quite positive for the team. Still, he can improve things.

“But, in terms of mentality, character, he’s going in the right direction, and that’s the main thing for us, because you don’t have too many centrebacks around with this presence and this character.

“If he continues learning things, he can be an important player in England.”

Asked if he felt that Lascelles had an outside chance of making Southgate’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, Benitez added: “If he can improve a lot during these months – and I’m sure he will continue improving – you never know.

“He’s not now in the squad, but if they have a couple of problems, maybe he could be there.

“But, to have a chance to do that, he has to continue working hard and improving. “He’s someone who has great potential, because he’s keen to learn in every training session. He’s always open to hear and then trying to follow your advice if you’re telling him something.” Newcastle are just two points above the relegation zone. On today’s visit of Swansea, Benitez said: “We’re clever enough to understand the difference is very small in points. There are only a few points between six teams, which is not too much.

“In two games, everything can change.”

Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is back in training after being sidelined for a month with a back problem, but today’s game comes too soon for him.

Keeper Rob Elliot and defender Chancel Mbemba, though, are back from injury.