Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips didn't deserve to be on the losing side on Sunday.

LION OF THE WEEKEND: If anyone didn’t deserve to be on the losing side, it was the Manchester City star who scored twice in a 4-3 defeat at Newcastle

There are now joint leaders in our search for Lion of the Season, Shaun Wright-Phillips earning his second nomination alongside Stewart Downing.

England World Cup star Alan Mullery selected Wright-Phillips as the outstanding England performer of the weekend after watching his two-goal salvo for Manchester City at Newcastle.

"He was absolutely outstanding and didn’t deserve to lose 4-3. The game was a bore in the first half but the second half was fantastic and Wright-Phillips lit up the stadium with his two goals.

"He must like St James’ Park because I thought he was fantastic when he came on for England against Ukraine and scored on his debut.

"He showed that night and again on Sunday that he’s going to be in every England squad for the next few years if he carries on like this."

On Sunday, Wright-Phillips was instrumental as City fought back from 3-0 and 3-2 down before succumbing to a last-minute goal from Craig Bellamy.

The right-sided player showed poise and pace to race onto a pass from Danny Mills for his first goal after 64 minutes and drilled a low finish past Shay Given for his second 13 minutes from the end.

Lion of the Season - Total nominations so far

Stewart Downing 2
Shaun Wright-Phillips 2
Ashley Cole 1
Rio Ferdinand 1
Steve Gerrard 1
David James 1
Ledley King 1
Michael Owen 1
Alan Smith 1

Every Monday TheFA.com announces the best England player from the weekend with the help of a former professional. The player with most nominations in May will be named Lion of the Season.

* TheFA.com selection panel this season are former England internationals: Mick Mills, Russell Osman, Paul Parker, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Mullery.