Toon captain ‘disappointed’ by omission

NEWCASTLE United skipper Jamaal Lascelles has revealed he was “disappointed” not to be called up by England this week.

The in-form Toon star, along with Jonjo Shelvey, was left out of the squad to face Holland and Italy in the World Cup warm-up games for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Lascelles’ non-selection also resulted in former England captain Alan Shearer expressing his surprise at the squad and insisting he should have been involved.

Lascelles, now in Spain with the Magpies on a four-day training camp, said: “I was kind of waiting to see what would happen.

“I thought I might have had a good chance. I was disappointed when I found out the squad.

“Fair play to the boys who have been selected, I wish them all the best.

“I will keep trying my best for Newcastle.

“That is my main focus because I need to concentrate on Newcastle, do well in the league, and whatever else happens, happens.

“Congratulation to the players who have been selected.”

Newcastle are preparing for a friendly game tomorrow against Royal Antwerp – in which the sides will play three 45-minute ‘thirds’ – with Lascelles believing boss Rafa Benitez made the right call to take his players abroad during the break.

He added: “I think the manager has done the right thing.

“He could have given us the week off but he has us out here and it is all preparation for the Huddersfield game.

“The training is always intense but it is nice to have the warm weather and the game on Sunday is going to be important.

“It is match fitness and more minutes in your legs.

“We could be sat on a beach somewhere or with our families but the gaffer is wise and he knows what needs doing so we have to make sure we are playing our best against Huddersfield.

“Coming off after that victory against Southampton confidence is high. We were always looking forward to starting here. “Now we are here the facilities are great, the hotel is nice and the pitch is good. “We have a double session today so we are looking forward to that.”