Potters boss backs Shawcross call-up

Shawcross checked in at the Three Lions' Watford training base for the first time on Sunday night knowing questions are being asked over his suitability to represent his country following his red card shame on Saturday. The former Manchester United defender left the pitch in tears after being sent off for the tackle that broke Aaron Ramsey's leg, an incident Arsene Wenger believes was worthy of far more than the three-match ban Shawcross must now serve. Pulis disregards those comments because he knows Shawcross is not a dirty player. Now he wants the 22-year-old, the first Stoke player to receive an England call since 1984, to seize the chance Fabio Capello has handed him. "While we are all deeply saddened at what has happened to Aaron, we believe that Ryan is worthy of this chance to represent his country and hopefully put himself in contention for a place in the England squad for the World Cup finals," said Pulis. "It has been a difficult time for Ryan and he is still upset at the seriousness of the injury to Aaron. "But it is important to remember what he has achieved over the past two years when he has emerged as one of the best young defenders in the country. "The amount he has come on in that time has been unbelievable, so I always felt that if he produced a consistent level of performances for us this season, as he has done, an opportunity would come along sooner rather than later." Although Wayne Rooney in particular is a major fitness doubt after picking up a knee injury during Manchester United's Carling Cup final victory over Aston Villa at Wembley yesterday, al Capello's 24-man squad reported for duty. Steven Gerrard, who is set to captain England against the African Nations Cup winners, was the latest domestic player to arrive following Liverpool's victory over Blackburn, with David Beckham then flying into the UK from Italy after Milan's Serie A triumph over Atalanta.