West Ham star Aaron Cresswell shares verdict on England chances
West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell refuses to rule out playing for his country again despite the fierce competition for places.
The Englishman is having arguably his best season in claret and blue, notching 8 assists as we sit fifth in the table. He’s been capped three times for England previously but hasn’t featured for the national side since 2017.
Since David Moyes has returned to the London Stadium, the number three has looked like a different player. He and Declan Rice are the only two players at West Ham to play every minute of every top-flight game this season.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Cresswell said he’ll never stop believing he’ll get a call-up but understands the tough competition. He said: “Look, I’ll never give up on playing for England, but I’m 31 now and you look at some of the younger boys and the way the squad is going.
“It is one of the strongest England squads of the last 20 or 30 years and they’re hopefully going to get on in the next 10 years and do some great things, and get a trophy hopefully.
“My main thing is West Ham. If I can do well and do the right things on the pitch for West Ham then England is an option.”
Spoilt for choice
As stated, Cresswell has been sensational this season for the Hammers. There were calls for him to be replaced under Pellegrini due to some poor performances. However, he’s turned a corner under Moyes and has become one of our most important players again.
England boss Gareth Southgate has some fantastic options at left-back, Luke Shaw in particular is having a fantastic season for Manchester United. Ben Chilwell has started well for Chelsea, but is struggling to keep a spot in Tuchel’s XI. His blue patch has left the door open for Cresswell and Shaw, but how do they compare?
According to WyScout, their performances are very close. Cresswell averages 4.86 interceptions and 7.82 possession recoveries per 90 minutes. On the other hand, Shaw makes 4.01 interceptions and 7.98 recoveries per 90, there really is nothing in it.
Cresswell has won 60.1% of his duels, whilst United’s full-back has 54%. Shaw does complete more passes however, 84.3% compares to Cresswell’s 78.1%. Southgate will also be looking at their attacking threat.
West Ham’s number three, a stated above, has eight assists this season but no goals. Shaw bagged his first of the season against Manchester City and has five assists.
Age might be on Shaw’s side. Six years Cresswell’s junior, it’s hard to believe that he hasn’t featured for England yet under Southgate.
The next England squads are set to be announced next week, if Cresswell isn’t included this time, that’ll be the indicator as to where the boss is thinking. On current form, they should both be included without question.
In other West Ham news, Vladimir Coufal has solved this 20-year problem for the Hammers.