[ad_pod ]
Sean Longstaff has been tipped to get into the England team ahead of Declan Rice by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown.
Longstaff, who has been in excellent form for Newcastle United thus far this season, enjoyed another superb display against Burnley on Tuesday evening as the Magpies won 2-0.
What’s he said?
The 21-year-old has made his first-team breakthrough at St James’ Park this season, playing 12 times in 2018-19.
He scored his first goal for the club in the FA Cup win over Blackburn Rovers in a third-round replay and added to that tally on Tuesday as he netted his first Premier League goal against the Clarets.
And Keown has compared Longstaff with West Ham United star Rice, who has pledged his international allegiance to England over the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking to BT Sport, via the Daily Star, Keown said: “Longstaff, it reminds me of a Michael Carrick-type performance tonight, the way he’s stroking the ball about. He wins it in the build-up, straight away makes the necessary pass.
“He follows it into the box and he’s a very confident young man. He’s got great technique. Look at the Burnley defence there, not willing to get back.
“I think that’s a position, isn’t it, that’s available [in England’s squad]?
“Rice that plays for West Ham. We have often talked about him. I think this fella is maybe better. He’s technically better, the way he strikes the ball. He lost the ball once in midfield but he’s been very impressive so far.”
The Rice debate
Rice pledged his international allegiance to England earlier this month, sparking a debate about the rules of registration.
Andy Townsend, in particular, said the decision “made a mockery of international football”, as Rice had won three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Because all three caps came in international friendlies, however, Rice was allowed to pick England and is now eligible to play in qualifiers and tournament matches for the Three Lions.
The perceived wisdom is that he’s the answer to England’s limit of quality options at the base of midfield, but Longstaff’s emergence could not have come at a worse time for the Irons star.
If the Newcastle midfielder is picked over him, and he impresses Southgate in the same way that he has Rafael Benitez, then Rice could end up on the outside looking in.
Perhaps then he will wish he chose Ireland instead.
