Former England Under-21s manager Stuart Pearce has slammed Roy Hodgson over his decision to bring Swansea’s Jonjo Shelvey back into the senior England fold…
Stuart Pearce has slammed Roy Hodgson for his decision to include Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in the England squad for the imminent Euro 2016 qualifiers, according to Goal.
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The 22-year-old has been called up for England’s games against San Marino and Estonia this coming week, despite Hodgson admitting that the former Liverpool man has refused to play for the Under-21 side since August 2013.
“He would have been asked, if you like, to step back down after, in his eyes, stepping up,” Hodgson said.
“I believe Gareth [Southgate, the under-21 coach] spoke to him and he was reticent, maybe, to play and as a result Gareth chose other people.”
The ex-Under-21s manager Stuart Pearce, who resigned after a horrendous display at the European Championship in 2013, has a strong opinion about Shelvey’s return to the side.
“I’ll ask the question why hasn’t Shelvey been involved in international football for the last year. I’d like to know the answer, he’s been fully fit,” he said.
“If he’s not made himself available how the hell has he got an England senior call-up?”
The Nottingham Forest manager does have a fair point. If Shelvey is unwilling to play for his national side at youth level, or believes it to be beneath him in some way, then why should he get an England call up when there are so many others who are proud to represent their country and are willing to put the effort in to climb the international ladder properly?
One such player is Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, who has been recalled to the Under-21s despite making an appearance at the World Cup this summer. Despite his record breaking move to the Red Devils this summer he still views it as an honour to play for his country, no matter what level it’s at.
“I’ve been talking to the manager and we’ve spoken about and think it’s a great idea for me to go to help out with the Under-21s and get some game-time as well,” Shaw said
“It’s not just me. We’re all happy to help. It’s always been a privilege to play for my country, no matter what level it is and I will do it and do my best.”
The teenager is sure to be a future regular for England, and is clearly a true patriot to boot; something Shelvey doesn’t seem to share with his compatriot.
Jonjo Shelvey may become the only ever England international to make both his first and second appearances for the country against San Marino.