Eddie Howe backs Bournemouth's English players for Euro 2016 squad
Thursday 17 March 2016 18:52, UK
Eddie Howe believes there is still plenty of time for Bournemouth's English players to force their way into Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad.
On Thursday, Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater received his first senior international call-up for England's upcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.
Bournemouth defenders Charlie Daniels and Simon Francis were reported to be in contention to receive international recognition following impressive debut campaigns in the Premier League.
The pair were not included in Hodgson's 24-man squad, but Howe feels the door for possible inclusion should not be considered shut to any player before the season is over.
"It means I get to keep the players with us and training with us, so from a personal point of view it's not disappointing," the Bournemouth manager said.
"For the players themselves, all they can continue to do is work hard and continue performing as they have been for us.
"They have been excellent, so I am sure they would have been in Roy's mind.
"It is still not too late, there are still games to play and chances for them to impress."
Bournemouth face title-chasing Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday having pulled themselves clear of a relegation battle with three successive league victories.
But Howe insists his squad are taking nothing for granted, despite being on 38 points, 13 clear of Norwich City in 18th.
"There is no feeling inside the camp that we are safe," Howe added.
"There won't be until it is mathematical, and even then the work ethic doesn't change - we will still want to win games, that continues on Sunday."
Meanwhile, Bournemouth have announced their intention to submit plans to expand the club's Vitality Stadium.
The proposed plans include the installation of a new permanent South Stand as well as the south west and south east corners of the stadium being filled in.
"We believe the plans we have proposed are sympathetic to local residents and members of the general public alike, and we hope that with this sensitive development we will continue to build a football club that the town can be proud of," Bournemouth's chief executive Neill Blake told the club's official website.
