Craig Bellamy Advises Against Picking Jamaal Lascelles for England Despite Good Recent Form

Former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy has claimed that it would be wrong of Gareth Southgate to include Jamaal Lascelles in England’s next wave of friendlies in November.

Lascelles has had a great start to his Premier League campaign, scoring successive match-winning goals against Swansea and Stoke respectively, while also helping his side to two clean sheets and a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

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With the next international break only a month away with high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Germany scheduled, many are calling for the Newcastle captain to be included in the England squad. However, Bellamy feels it is far too soon to be talking about that.

Speaking to Talksport, the Welshman said: “Jamaal Lascelles has started well this season, I would like to see a little bit more though. It is England again...as soon as a player is doing well, he should automatically be called up for the England squad.”

Lascelles will feel encouraged by the fact that both Harry Maguire and Michael Keane have now began to make appearances for their country, considering, much like Lascelles, both were playing Championship football just two years ago.

There is certainly room in the squad for a new centre-half as well, with names such as Gary Cahill, John Stones and Chris Smalling so far failing to live up to the legendary pairing of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand following their retirements, which now feels like decades ago.

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Bellamy conceded that Lascelles is in fine form, but he would like to see him prove it on a consistent basis before even the notion of an international call-up is considered.

“I would like to see Jamaal Lascelles maintain the good form he is enjoying at this present moment,” said Bellamy. “I would like to see that form a little bit longer and then who knows?”

Lascelles will have the opportunity to continue his good form when his Newcastle side face Southampton at St. Mary’s on Sunday afternoon.