Jack O'Connell offered England incentive by Sheffield United boss

SHEFFIELD UNITED manager Chris Wilder sees no reason why Jack O'Connell cannot force his way into the England reckoning and add to the club's senior international roster.
Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell (centre). Martin Rickett/PA Wire.Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell (centre). Martin Rickett/PA Wire.
Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell (centre). Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Recent evidence has displayed that Gareth Southgate is increasingly not afraid in looking beyond the Premier League 'establishment' to hand opportunities to those at other clubs, with Southampton duo Danny Ings and James Ward-Prowse handed caps in the last international break alongside Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The credentials of O'Connell, outstanding for the Blades last term until a late-season injury, have also been flagged up, with The Times columnist Tony Cascarino tipping him for future international elevation.

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On the potential for Liverpool-born O'Connell, 26 - who has played for England at under-18 and under-19 level - to do just that, Wilder said: "One hundred per cent. I think the great thing that has happened over the past two or three years is that our players have been getting international recognition.

"I am not sure when I first walked through the door if we had any. We might have had some at youth level and Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have been involved at under-18s or under20s. Now we have seen seven or eight away with their national teams which we applaud and support and they all should be.

"Whether it is Jack, John Lundstram or George (Baldock) playing for Greece - that might be on the horizon - we all should be aiming to play as well as they possibly can to attract the attention of the national managers.

"I have talked about Aaron Ramsdale about Gareth and I am sure the manager does not just favour the 'big' teams if he feels they could add something to his squad. Play well and see what happens after that.

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"We are a great supporter of Jack, he has had an outstanding period. It is up to Gareth to see that and he has been flexible in the teams he has played and formations.

"There are a lot of good left-footed centre-halves out there as well and Jack comes into that category. It is up to Jack to get back playing after missing the back end of last season through injury.

"Hopefully, he will have a good season. All he can do is play consistently well for Sheffield United, which he has done for a number of years and I am sure if the opportunity comes up, Gareth would be brave enough if he feels he enhances the group."

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