Shelvey no longer out to secure England call-up
Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has opened up on being ignored for an England senior call-up, claiming he “doesn’t care anymore”.
Shelvey made his England debut in 2012 but had to wait until 2015 to pick up a further five caps and has not been called up since.
When speaking to the Independent, the 26-year old playmaker admitted that a lack of interest from current England manager Gareth Southgate has led him to give up on his international career.
Shelvey revealed that he had only spoken to Southgate once in 2014 but not since he got the senior job, which has resulted in the Newcastle number eight losing interest.
To be honest, I don’t really care anymore. That’s me being honest. I did care, but now I’ve sort of given up on the idea. I’m obviously not his cup of tea. I’ve never been told that but that’s the feeling I get.
Shelvey also admitted that he was waiting by the phone to hear from Southgate before the World Cup but the call never came, despite having realistic hopes of being on the plane to Russia.
In the summer I thought I had a real good chance. I was checking my phone all the time. That’s not a lie. My whole family thought I had a good chance. It wasn’t to be and I thought at the start of this season I might get a sniff, even if it was just a call-up to be around it, but it ain’t to be.
Newcastle have had a difficult start to the season and are without a win in their opening nine matches.
Despite this, Shelvey believes he is improving as a player and can reach a new level, even if it won’t result in a run in a recall to the international team.
I feel like I’ve kicked on as a player. There’s moments when you need to get back on the ball and keep it short and when to make the right pass. If I stay mentally right during a game, then I feel like I can be up there with the best.
Following a very disappointing loss at home to Brighton last time out, Rafa Benitez’s side now have another big game against Southampton at the weekend.