NUFC catpain Jamaal Lascelles believes he has a ‘good chance’ of making the England squad for this summer’s World Cup if he keeps doing his job at club level, however insists that he is focused on keeping Newcastle in the Premier League before anything else.
The skipper has been revelation over the past 12 months. His Championship season was impressive in terms of his leadership and heart, but this season he has performed consistently on the pitch, being Benitez’s stand out player without any shadow of a doubt.
He’s rarely put a foot wrong and has been an example to all players with his actions both on and off the field, leading many to feel that he warrants a call up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Here’s what he’s had to say to the Shields Gazette when asked about the prospect of being offered a place on the plane to Russia this summer:
“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.”
As you’d expect, it’s clearly a huge dream of his to play for the national side, however it’s also clear how focused he is on keeping us up before anything else. After all, if he helps us stay in the division it will only increase his chances of being called up, as he says.
Securing safety and a place in Southgate’s squad would be a brilliant reward for all his efforts, however he is up against some established Premier League centre-backs – so he’s up against it.
