Gareth Southgate has revealed that continues to omit Jonjo Shelvey from his international plans with England due to his belief the midfielder occupies a ‘quarter back’ role at St James Park.
It was widely expected Shelvey would be given the nod for England’s most recent bout of friendlies given his good form and as many as five midfielders withdrawing from the Three Lions squad through injury, however he was again overlooked by Southgate.
With Jake Livermore, Jack Cork and Lewis Cook – the latter two who were new call-ups to the England set up – instead being named, Southgate has revealed he is searching for a ‘different type of player’ to the Magpies midfielder.
“I think Jonjo’s a different type of player,” Southgate said of Shelvey’s omission.
“He plays deeper, he players almost in the quarter-back position for his club. We were needing something a little bit different for these games.”
England saw out a 0-0 saw with Germany earlier in the week, and play their final fixture of 2017 against Brazil at Wembley on Tuesday night.
