Some big claims from the Times today, claiming Gareth Southgate is now seriously considering Jonjo Shelvey for a late call-up to England’s World Cup squad after fitness concerns over Jack Wilshere and Adam Lallana.
With Shelvey putting in countless quality performances over the last few months and showing clear signs of improved fitness, discipline and work-rate, it’s about time from the England boss.
The Times’ Matt Hughes reports that Southgate will travel to Merseyside on Monday to watch Shelvey in action against Everton – a game set to be shown live on Sky Sports.
Shelvey being considered for late World Cup call-up. Southgate to watch Newcastle midfielder at Everton on Monday. Shelvey seen as potential alternative to Wilshere and Lallana due to concerns over their fitness. https://t.co/AJhsp90GcV
— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesTimes) April 18, 2018
Pundits have been praising Shelvey left, right and centre recently, pushing to see him included in England’s squad, so it seems Southgate is finally seeing sense.
That being said, it’d be laughable if injuries to Wilshere and Lallana are the main reason he’s reconsidering the NUFC midfielder. With West Brom’s Jake Livermore somehow being picked over Shelvey recently, it shouldn’t take the odd ‘fitness concern’ to throw Shelvey back into his plans. He should have already been in them.
Anyway, good news for Jonjo and well deserved. Let’s hope he impresses on Monday night for ours and England’s sakes. He’s one of the few English midfielders who has the ability to unlock the door in Russia this summer.
