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Shock England Player Backed For World Cup Call-Up, Not Played International Game Since 2018
"I'll make a statement..."
Manchester United defender Phil Jones has been sensationally backed to make the England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Jones, 29, made his first appearance for Man United since January 2020 against Wolves last Monday.
His assured performance at the back was ultimately in vain as his side lost 1-0 to Bruno Lage's side.
But talkSPORT presenter Andy Goldstein was impressed with Jones' performance - so much so that he reckons he'll enter Gareth Southgate's thoughts for the 2022 World Cup.
Goldstein reckons the former Blackburn Rovers man is a better defender than Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings and, in his 'pomp', is better than Manchester City's John Stones.
On talkSPORT, he said: "I'll make a statement. Phil Jones is going to go to the World Cup with England.
"We’re not blessed with centre-halves. I think there’s a couple centre-halves he’s better than on his day.
"I think he’s better than Mings, and I’d rather have Jones in a back two. If Jones carries on like that, he’ll be going to the World Cup.
"In his pomp, I think he’s better than John Stones. I always worry about John Stones.
"Phil Jones is going to the World Cup."
Mings and Stones, along with Harry Maguire and Conor Coady, were used for Euro 2020 and the World Cup qualifiers.
Jones has 27 caps for The Three Lions and made his last appearance on the international stage in the 2018 World Cup.
Of course, he will need more game-time at Man United if he has any chance of breaking into Southgate's team.
But with Eric Bailly in Cameroon for AFCON and Maguire as well as Raphael Varane struggling with fitness issues, Jones could be called upon ahead of the second half of the season.
He could feature in his side's FA Cup clash against Aston Villa following his impressive display against Wolves.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: England, Football, Gareth Southgate
Nasir Jabbar