Former Man City defender Micah Richards believes West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell has been overlooked by Gareth Southgate.
Cresswell is in his seventh season with the Hammers. He joined them in 2014 from Ipswich Town for a fee of around £3.75m plus add-ons.
The full-back has been a mainstay for the Londoners since his move. He has made just short of 250 appearances for them since signing.
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The 31-year-old has impressed for West Ham this season as they are mounting an unlikely push for the top four. He has been capped three times by England but he has not played for his country since 2017.
Richards told BBC Sport that Cresswell needs to be considered for a call-up:
“Not a lot of people have mentioned Cresswell. We talk about people who can fill in when there’s three at the back and wing-backs.
“(Cresswell) has played three at the back comfortably and gone into wing-back role as well. I still believe Luke (Shaw) and (Ben) Chilwell are ahead of him, but his name doesn’t get mentioned enough.
“He’s been exceptional this season. If you talk about versatility, Cresswell has to be considered as well.”
Cresswell’s West Ham teammate, Jesse Lingard, has been recalled by England however. In a recent interview, he suggested that he has been given a “new lease of life” since joining the Hammers on loan:
“It’s a been bit like a new lease of life. I’ve moved to London, which is different, different group of lads – all the lads are brilliant at West Ham, they’ve welcomed me with open arms.
“The staff have been great and the whole club, the whole set-up is really good. I’m playing week in week out and I’m doing something that I love so, for me, it’s been perfect. Like you say, it’s a new lease of life.
“I think [getting back in the England squad] was always in my mind. I love playing for my country. I’ve already missed half a season and had to really start very quick with West Ham and do the best I can to try and get in there.
“It’s just about believing and doing well for West Ham – scoring, assisting, winning games – and I think obviously you know that’s what warranted me a place here, just being on form.”
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