United’s captain fantastic is England class, insists Barnes
thoughts, they’d just be covering in for this squad, so for that reason I really would prefer neither of them to receive call-ups - even if I think both probably merit such.
STUART JAMIESON Jamaal Lascelles has come through a tough season with flying colours.
And what’s more, I don’t think he’s the finished article yet. Without doubt he is good enough for the England squad and, once Gareth Southgate sees how the 24-year-old operates then I feel it will only be a matter of time before he establishes himself in the team.
This summer’s World Cup will come too soon for that, but I would certainly have him on the plane to Russia.
For me, Shelvey’s case harder to make. His range of passing is sublime and, in the tactical world of international football, could be key in unlocking well-drilled defences.
He has also added tactical nous to his game under Rafa Benitez, and while his positional errors at Bournemouth were highlighted, incidents like these have become the exception. His perceived temperament will always count against him however, no matter how much he has matured, and that could be the reason is Southgate overlooks him. SEAN MCCORMICK I believe both are worthy of an England call-up. Lascelles has been Newcastle’s leader this term and the maturity, the responsibility and the calmness he transmits to his Newcastle team is staggering. United have only won one point without him in the side this season and on current form he is without doubt one of the top five English centre-halves. Gareth Southgate seems settled on Gary Cahill, John Stones and Harry Maguire as his back three, while James Tarkowski is widely expected to earn a call-up. Aside from that, Lascelles looked streets above Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and Phil Jones when the two sides met last month while Michael Keane - who has also been involved recently has been poor this term. Shelvey adds a dimension England’s midfield don’t currently England manager Gareth Southgate have. He is brave in possession looks for the killer pass and he has the ability to make a difference. His recent injury troubles may work against him - as well as a potential lack of trust. CRAIG JOHNS Of the two I believe Jamaal Lascelles to have the better chance. Gareth Southgate recently dropped Chris Smalling because the Manchester United centreback is not good enough at playing the ball out from defence. With Phil Jones struggling with injury, the door is ajar for at least one new centre-back to step into the fold. In Lascelles, England would get a young centre-back with a strong, gutsy and winning mentality; someone willing to put his all on the line for the cause. His form this season for Newcastle certainly warrants strong consideration. As for Jonjo Shelvey, there can be no doubting his quality on his day. England quite often lack a cutting edge from midfield - a player like Shelvey who can unlock a defence with one pass. Against lesser teams Shelvey’s ability on the ball would be a huge advantage to the Three Lions, but there will always be concerns about his commitment to the defensive side of the game - concerns which he doesn’t do much to help - while there are also questions to be asked about his discipline. There are some young, quality central midfielders for Southgate to choose from, which will likely mean Shelvey misses out. Andrew Musgrove
ANDREW MUSGROVE Jamaal Lascelles has been Newcastle United’s rock this season and is arguably the in-form English centre-back in the Premier League. You can count the number of mistakes he made this season on one-hand and he’s led United through some tough times, He’s shown leadership and guidance well beyond his 24 years.
He’s looked composed and comfortable and has handled pressure from some of the world’s best forwards remarkably well. I think he deserves a call-up, but feel that Gareth Southgate already has his favourites and will stick with them,
Jonjo Shelvey is talented but his early season mistakes have cost him any chance of an England call-up.
The past few games he has shown exactly why there is a call for him to be included in the England squad but his lack of discipline earlier in the campaign may have set him back in the mind of Gareth Southgate. ENGLAND legend John Barnes believes Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles would be a ‘good addition’ to the England squad.
The performances of the 24-year-old have caught the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate, who has watched the former Nottingham Forest defender on two occasions.
Southgate names his latest England squad on Thursday ahead of friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy next week and there is genuine hope Lascelles and team-mate Jonjo Shelvey, will be considered.
Burnley’s James Tarkowski is another defender who could be called up - which could well harm Lascelles’ chances - but former Newcastle midfielder Barnes feels Lascelles would be more than worthy of a call.
He told the Chronicle on behalf of Bonus Code Bets: “I think he would be a good addition to the England squad.
“Not necessarily for his leadership qualities but because of his ability.
“Going into an England squad for his England cap - it will not be because of his leadership qualities, he will not be the captain like he is at Newcastle.
“He is quick, he is strong and I don’t think there are many England defenders who you would say have really cemented their place in the team, never mind the squad.
“He is playing well and I don’t see why he should not be close to a call.”
They are the final two internationals before Southgate names his provisional squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
After that England face friendlies with Nigeria and Costa Rica before Southgate trims his squad down to 23 players.