Wednesday 9 May 2018 23:28, UK
Rafa Benitez believes Jonjo Shelvey would provide England with a different option at this summer's World Cup in Russia.
Shelvey has been in outstanding form in 2018, and has been watched by England manager Gareth Southgate, despite not appearing for his country since 2015.
Southgate will announce his squad after this weekend, and Benitez insists Shelvey brings a positive alternative to the squad.
Asked if he would be a good option for the World Cup, Benitez said after Newcastle's 1-0 defeat Spurs: "I think so, I think he's a different kind of midfielder. So I am sure that when you talk about the squad, different players can give you different options in different games.
"If we have time on the ball for him, he can make the difference, but he needs players around him moving and doing the right things too, and they were doing that."
Benitez also claimed Newcastle should have had two penalties in the game; Matt Ritchie appeared to be brought down by Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper rushed out, while Ayoze Perez also saw half-hearted appeals waved away by referee Neil Swarbrick.
"I think we had 14 attempts against Tottenham at home, and two penalties not given, so I think we deserve something here," Benitez added.
"Today we are doing almost everything well, against a good team, but two decisions, when you see the replays, it's a pity."
The Spaniard also paid tribute to the vocal travelling Newcastle fans, and says they have contributed to their survival this season.
"It's an amazing season for us, to be safe with five games to play, it means a lot," he added. "You can see a lot of teams fighting to avoid relegation, and we can watch the tele and see the games.
"The fans are amazing, and the relationship between fans and players this year is one of the factors why we've been safe."
