After Jonjo Shelvey’s excellent displays in recent months, the calls have become louder for Gareth Southgate to include him in the England squad for the World Cup.
On Twitter, a fan posted a comparison of our no.8’s stats compared to other English midfielders who play in a similar role:
Jonjo Shelvey vs. other English centre mids this season. Surely he deserves a chance in the national team this summer??
(Stats per 90 min) #nufc pic.twitter.com/i5IE6JCNkX
— ToonDeepDive (@ToonDeepDive) April 15, 2018
The reaction from Magpies supporters was pretty unanimous in backing Jonjo to make the plane to Russia:
On those stats it shouldn’t even be a debate. Should be first on the plane.
— David Short (@davidshort63) April 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/D_Anthony_T8/status/986540611963637760
Unfortunately I would imagine his past temperament counts against him, he seems to have learned from yet another silly red card back at the start of this season, but not sure Southgate would trust him in the heat of battle
— In Oxford (@Oxford_Life) April 16, 2018
We don't want him in National side, just want him fit for #NUFC I know that's not really fair to him, but Newcastle comes first!
— Carolyn, Socks & Marley #rememberingKay (@WalkandWatch) April 15, 2018
You can blame poor finishing for the only reason he isn’t top on assists as well.
— Bill power (@billthepower1) April 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/BenArfaChance/status/985552326797725701
When Wenger took Jack wilser off against Moscow arsenal where a better team doesn't deserve to. go to Russia in the summer
— Keith Coldrick (@drhoo62) April 15, 2018
Verdict:
Shelvey undoubtedly has the best passing range of any of the players Southgate would likely pick to start in central midfield. Questions have always remained about the midfielder’s discipline on the big stage though.
Certainly, the player looks to be a lot more mature under the guidance of Rafa, and if you just look at the stats alone, it’s hard to argue against naming him in the final 23 for the summer tournament.
It’s still a way away before the final squad is decided though so we’ll just have to wait and see whether the 26-year-old makes it.