Defender tipped for more England appearances by Stoke City 'keeper

Ryan Shawcross is being tipped to become an England regular, by the man who plays behind him every week.

The Stoke City captain made his Three Lions debut in November's game with Sweden and has continued with his colossal displays in the Potters defence, helping them to an eighth clean sheet of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday.

And Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic believes that it's only a matter of time before the 25-year-old adds to his international experience if he continues to improve.

"We take great pride in our defensive record and our defensive work and it's working well so far," said Begovic, who also praised Shawcross's defensive partner Robert Huth.

"I wouldn't swap our two centre-backs for anyone else in the country and I don't just say that because I play with them.

"They look so solid as a partnership with a great understanding. It works wonders."

Former Manchester United and England Under-21 defender Shawcross has been in Roy Hodgson's Senior squad on a number of occasions and it comes as no surprise to Begovic that he's in the England Manager's thoughts.

He added: "Ryan made his England debut last month and I think he has the class to become an England regular eventually if he keeps going the way he is.

"He is still very young, has played a lot of Premier League games and is our captain.

"We really rate him and the more times he is with the England squad, the more times he plays, the more comfortable he will feel and he will show his true colours."

Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, Glen Johnson and Danny Welbeck are all in the hunt for the England Player of the Year Award and it's up to you which star wins.

Place your vote here before the closing date of 13 January 2013. You can also vote for the England Men's Under-21s and Women's Senior Players of the Year, too.