Does Jamaal Lascelles deserve an England call up?
It is something that Newcastle fans have been advocating for a long while, but Jamaal Lascelles is surely now closer than ever to a call up to the England squad.
Our captain put in a fantastic performance against United, outshining the current Three Lions defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling – who both looked uncertain when put under pressure from the Magpies.
In the twenty-four matches he has played for us this season, we have conceded 23 – less than one goal per game. In the six games this campaign where he has not played a part, we have let in 18 – on average three goals per game.
The disparity is huge, and it underlines the importance of the defender to Rafa in providing organisation at the back. The fact that we have only picked up one solitary point (against West Brom), when he hasn`t been involved shows why the captain is invaluable.
With that mind, Gareth Southgate would be foolish to overlook our skipper and give him the opportunity to showcase his international credentials in the up and coming friendlies against Holland and Italy. What have we got to lose?
As we have seen, neither Smalling or Jones are in the sort of form that would merit their inclusion ahead of Lascelles. If you look at the other options available as well, you come to the inclusion that our captain must be included.
Michael Keane is enduring a torrid season at Everton following his £30m move from Burnley, Gary Cahill is no longer an automatic first choice under Antonio Conte at Chelsea, having only been named on the bench for the Champions League clash against Barcelona.
You are then left with Harry Maguire and John Stones. The emphasis on playing out from the back may mean these two may get the nod ahead of Jamaal, but if the England manager persists with a back three like he has in recent internationals, there is room for another player to stake his claim for a place at the World Cup.
The leadership qualities our No.6 possesses, along with his ability to organise and communicate cannot be in doubt, and has more than warranted this opportunity.
Share this article
