Safety first, but Lascelles eyes cap call
Defender Jamaal Lascelles is determined to help keep Newcastle United in the Premier League – while keeping an eye on a potential England call-up.
Lascelles has had a decent season for the Magpies, who are 15th in the table and fighting to secure a second successive top-flight campaign.
Asked about the chance of muscling his way into Gareth Southgate’s national squad, ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals, Lascelles said: “It would be great, but the only way I can get there is to put in consistent performances for Newcastle.
“My focus is on staying up.
“It is every kid’s dream to play for England, of course, but I know I have no chance if I am not giving my absolute all to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.
“The England manager has his set players. He has centre-halves who have been established in the Premier League for some time and I think it will take a lot to edge them out. “If I keep doing my job, though, I do think I have got a good chance.” Lascelles enjoys life under boss Rafa Benitez and said: “Since the manager has come in, things have been on the rise for not only the club but also for me.
“He showed a lot of trust in me to give me the armband. I definitely feel like I have developed since he has been here.
“Ifpeoplewouldhaveasked us if we’d want to be where we are at this stage of the season (back) in the summer – a lot of people would have said ‘yeah’.
“I think we are in a good position, even if we have been frustrated a lot this season. We just need to keep working hard and trusting the manager.”