Tuesday 4 October 2016 11:37, UK
Burnley defender Michael Keane deserves his first England call-up and will only develop further within an international setting, according to former Three Lions captain Terry Butcher.
The 23-year-old was drafted into Gareth Southgate's 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia after Stoke defender Glen Johnson was forced to withdraw because of injury.
Keane, who made 16 appearances under Southgate for England U21s, has been a standout performer for newly promoted Burnley this season and Butcher is convinced the former Manchester United academy graduate will only grow into a better player from the experience.
"It's good and he deserves it," Butcher told Sky Sports Now. "It's interesting because if you look at the stats, he has only made five tackles this season and he has won all of them. But it does show you the state of the game, its more balletic, playing balls in front of you and not necessarily going to ground.
"He's done very well, he's a big boy, a handful and coming into the England squad will only help him as it's another step up. There's great company, great coaching and great media spotlight, it's what you want.
"There's some experienced England players ahead of him in that squad, there's no doubt about that.
"When I came into the squad, you look around and think I am just happy to be here. I am sure he'll just be glad to get on the training field and get around the players in the hotel.
"It will add to his experience and then it makes you more determined to get into the starting XI when it comes around.
"But I'll be very surprised if Gareth does call him up to play as he's got a settled back four and goalkeeper already there, it's what happens in front of that back four that really matters."
Southgate, who was appointed as England's interim manager last week following the departure of Sam Allardyce, will take charge of his first training session on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's match against Malta at Wembley.
England then face Slovenia on Tuesday in Ljubljana, with Southgate also taking charge of the World Cup qualifier against Scotland on November 11 and the friendly with Spain on November 15.
With a busy schedule ahead for England, Butcher believes Southgate is facing a tough task, citing the players' attitude and the 'Wayne Rooney conundrum' as possible issues for him.
"Well, he's got four games, which is good and they are qualifiers where he has to get points and win matches," Butcher added.
"I was confident a few months ago that England would get points from these matches, but I am not so sure now, it really depends on the attitude of the players.
"I saw England play in Slovakia and they've got the Wayne Rooney conundrum. I am sure Gareth would like to come in to a more settled situation, but as a caretaker manager it's never a settled situation as something has normally happened, which it has.
"He's got good experience behind him and he'll know what to do. It's all down to how the players will react. Malta is a given, that's a comfortable three points, but Slovenia away that's a different kettle of fish."
