Shawcross eyes England call-up

The 22-year-old was rewarded for his impressive displays in the centre of Stoke's defence with a call-up for the friendly clash against Egypt in March, where he was named in the matchday squad but was an unused substitute. But the young defender endured a tough conclusion to the season, serving a suspension for the red card following the challenge which broke Aaron Ramsey's leg, as well as a succession of ankle and foot injuries. He now hopes to push on again next term and is eyeing a call-up from England boss Fabio Capello, who has spoken of giving youth a chance after the World Cup exit to Germany. Shawcross told the Sunday Mirror: "There are a lot of exceptional players out there like John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. "They you have other top players like Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Jamie Carragher. It's not easy to get into the England side. "But, as was proven in February by Capello, if a player is doing well then he will call you up on merit. It happened to me. "Hopefully I can start the new season well and who knows? But I have got to perform with Stoke and that is my primary objective."