Source: Team_Talk
Shawcross still hopeful of England call
Ryan Shawcross has not given up hope of sneaking into England's World Cup squad - but his first priority is getting back into the Stoke team.[LNB] Shawcross has not played since the end of February when he was sent off after a challenge on Aaron Ramsey which left the Arsenal midfielder with a broken leg. [LNB]On that very day the 22-year-old earnt his first call-up to Fabio Capello's squad for the friendly against Egypt so the timing of his absence has been bad to say the least.[LNB]The big defender was first forced to serve a three-game ban and a couple of niggling injuries has seen him miss another five matches since then.[LNB]And while he has been sidelined, the likes of Tottenham's Michael Dawson have caught the eye.[LNB]But Shawcross, who has not played since the end of February, has now declared himself fit for Sunday's game at Chelsea and is ready to stake a late claim for a World Cup place.[LNB]"The most frustrating thing is not being able to play for Stoke - I can't really think about anything else," he said.[LNB]"But I also know I need to get back playing, and playing well, if I am to have any chance of getting into the England squad.[LNB]"There are a lot of good players out there and some centre-backs have come back from injury and started playing well.[LNB]"That has made it more difficult for me.[LNB]"I would have to say my chances for England are quite slim at the moment, but I haven't given up."[LNB]Shawcross also played down talk that Tuncay's strop at being substituted during last weekend's defeat to Bolton could see him marginalised by the rest of the squad.[LNB]Potters boss Tony Pulis warned Tuncay he could be in for a hot reception from his team-mates after his latest act of petulance but Shawcross says the whole squad remains behind the Turkey ace.[LNB]"Tuncay is a fantastic player and he has done well since he has been here," said Shawcross on Sky Sports News.[LNB]"Obviously I think he knows he was wrong.[LNB]"When you come off whether you have played well or played bad you need to support the team and I think he knows that.[LNB]"We are fully behind him and hopefully he will put in a good performance on Sunday."
