Michael Keane Speaks About His England World Cup Chances

Everton defender Michael Keane is optimistic of reclaiming a spot with England for the summer World Cup despite being dropped from the previous set of friendlies. The centre-back had an average run of form following the turn of the year and this saw Gareth Southgate pick James Tarkowski ahead of him for the games against Netherlands and Italy.

In a report covered by Goal.com, Keane still has the ambition of representing England at the World Cup and he is feeling a lot more confident of making the final squad after putting in impressive performances of late, he said: “While I was really disappointed not to be in the last England squad, it just gives you the motivation to work harder and want to get into the next one. I feel like I’m still in the manager’s thoughts for the World Cup. I’ve been in a lot of squads in the past year or two.I know if I play to my ability for the rest of the season, I will have a good chance. It’s up to me to do that.”

Southgate has been critical over the amount of playing time received by players in the Premier League and Gary Cahill was one of the surprise exclusions during the previous squad announcement. However, with the season coming to a close, most of the leading defenders including Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have impressed from the starting lineup and Southgate needs to make a choice between experience and budding talent for the World Cup.

Most of the positions in the squad have been sorted out leading to the World Cup but there is a major concern regarding the shot-stopper’s role. Joe Hart has no doubt been a good servant for his nation for nearly a decade but his inconsistent showing of late makes him an outsider when compared to the likes of Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland, and Nike Pope.