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Stock Winger Backs Shawcross for England
Matthew Etherington has queried whether Ryan Shawcross was not included in England's latest squad because he plays for Stoke.
Fabio Capello decided to call up a number of new faces and fringe players for last week's friendly against France but there was no place in the squad for Shawcross
The defender has been in fine form for the Potters in the Premier League this season and Etherington cannot understand Capello's selection policy.
He feels maybe it is because Stoke are an unfashionable club but has backed Shawcross to one day get the nod and enjoy a successful international career.
"You will have to ask Capello why Ryan wasn't called up. Maybe it's because he plays for Stoke," Etherington, himself left out of the squad, said in The Sun.
"It could be that reason as some players called up in his position raised a few eyebrows."
Different class
Shawcross has been linked with a move to a club higher up the Premier League than Stoke and Etherington is convinced the former Manchester United youngster has a bright future at the very top of the game.
But he does not want Shawcross to leave the Britannia Stadium anytime soon, saying: "Ryan's different class.
"He's quick, reads the game and has ability on the ball. He'll be at a top-four club again.
"He definitely deserves a chance for England and wouldn't let anyone down.
"The longer we keep him, the better for Stoke."
Shawcross, meanwhile, recognises that he must maintain his high standards if he is to earn a call-up for the Three Lions.
He said: "England is a tough squad to break into and you must perform week in, week out. I'll carry on what I'm doing."