- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
‘Keane deserves England call’
- Updated: October 4, 2016
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 …
