Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says Sean Longstaff has proven himself to win a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Howe and the Three Lions chief enjoy a good relationship and the latter spoke at length this week about his impression of Newcastle this season.
Only Kieran Trippier is in his current squad – Callum Wilson has a hamstring problem – but Longstaff, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn have all been touted for their inclusion.
Midfielder Longstaff, 25, returned to the team after injury six games ago and the Magpies have been unbeaten since, winning five of those matches.
The academy graduate has earned recognition from his supporters, teammates and manager for the impact he has made, and Howe believes elevation onto the international stage is the next step.
Sean Longstaff scored against mighty PSG as Newcastle demolished the Ligue 1 side on Wednesday
Manager Eddie Howe has urged Gareth Southgate to consider the player for international duty
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“I haven’t spoken to Sean in detail about the England team or his dreams and goals, but I would encourage him because I think he’s quite good,” Howe said.
“I think he has everything depending on the system you want to play, but for us he fits perfectly into the number 8 role we use him in. I would love to see him score more goals and play more positions because I think he’s a very good finisher – you saw him the other night with a very good goal against PSG, so I hope there’s more to come from him. But he has certainly done very well at the start of the season.
Howe added: “He would definitely be one of the fittest midfielders in the league. In the match the other night he covered every blade, he does it regularly.
“What I like about Sean is that it’s not about one play and then it falls flat, I hope not anyway!” He has been very consistent with his work ethic and the distances he travels. When you manage and select a team, you need reliable players and – this is certainly it.
Mail Sport columnist Chris Sutton also called on the England manager to take a closer look at defender Dan Burn (centre right).
Meanwhile, Mail Sport columnist Chris Sutton said Burn should be included in the England squad at left-back, with Howe saying: “I think he’s been magnificent. Unusually, there aren’t many Dan Burn type players playing football.
“He’s been able to adapt so well to the position, but it’s a position he’s played before, so it’s not new to him. It’s just new to him but I think technically, he was very good.
“Defensively I think he has a brilliant mindset when it comes to defending, I think he likes to defend, he wants to defend. You can see in the last couple of games how many good decisions he has taken against very good opponents, whether it’s a fast and tricky winger or someone who has a good position. He finds a way to react very well in the game to make adjustments to deal with his opponent.
“He is a true leader and sets very high standards for himself and the team. He is very present in the locker room and has the respect of all the players.
