England secured a spot in next year’s Russia World Cup on Thursday night following a 1-nil victory over Slovenia, but many questioned the starting XI of manager Gareth Southgate.
Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on the pitch for more than an hour, and going by his performance, Newcastle fans would have been justified if they got irked by the omission of 2 of their stars.
Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles both played crucial roles as the Magpies won the Championship last term, and there have been calls from some quarters for the 2 to be handed England calls.
In a Three Lions squad brimming of talents, Shelvey and Lascelles, a Premier League Player of the Month nominee for September, must always be on top of their games if they are to have any chance.
These two are proving their quality all over again at the topflight, with the midfielder looking to make a return to the national team, but week-in week-out consistency and a top level of discipline, in Shelvey’s case, will be needed for them to convince Southgate.
England’s final World Cup squad will always divide opinions, but should the Newcastle duo put in an unforgettable performance all-campaign, nothing will stop them from being on the plane to Russia next year alongside John Stones and Jordan Henderson.
