England legend John Barnes believes Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles would be a ‘good addition’ to the England squad.
But many pundits suggest he would have made an impression on the England team by now if he was under consideration.
The performances of the 24-year-old have caught the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate, who has watched the former Nottingham Forest defender on a couple of occasions.
Southgate names his latest England squad on Thursday ahead of friendlies against Netherlands and Italy next week and there is genuine hope that Lascelles and Newcastle team-mate Jonjo Shelvey, will be considered.
Burnley’s James Tarkowski is another defender who could be called up - which could well harm Lascelles’ chances - but former Newcastle midfielder Barnes feels Lascelles would be more than worthy of a call.
“I think he would be (a good addition to the England squad),” Barnes told ChronicleLive on behalf of Bonus Code Bets.
“Not necessarily for his leadership qualities but because of his ability. Going into an England squad for his England cap - it wont be because of his leadership qualities, he won’t be the captain like he is at Newcastle.
“He is quick, he is strong and I don’t think there are many England defenders who you would say have really cemented their place in the team, never mind the squad.
“He is playing well and I don’t see why he shouldn’t be close to a call at all.”
They are the final two internationals before Southgate names his provisional squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
After that England face friendlies with Nigeria and Costa Rica before Southgate trims his squad down to 23 players.