Swansea City's Jonjo Shelvey targets recall to England fold

Tuesday 18 Aug 2015
Jonjo Shelvey has made an impressive start to the new season with Swansea City
Jonjo Shelvey is hoping his form with Swansea City can earn him a recall to the England squad.

The midfielder has played a key part in the Swans’ impressive start to the season, proving an influential part of their comprehensive win over Newcastle United at the weekend.

And the 23-year-old, who was last in an England squad for the games with San Marino and Estonia in November, is harbouring ambitions of an international return.

England boss Roy Hodgson shares a laugh with Jonjo Shelvey in Estonia.

Roy Hodgson shares a joke with Shelvey during his last call-up in November 2014

"That's everyone's dream to play for their country – and it's obviously my dream as well," said Shelvey.

"Hopefully I can keep on putting in performances like that for [England manager] Roy Hodgson to let me in to his squad." 

The former Charlton Athletic and Liverpool player was a regular for England at U16s, U17s, U19s and Under-21s level but his only appearance for the senior team came in 2012 when he featured in a 5-0 win over San Marino at Wembley.

In a bid to get back to that level, Shelvey took the step of employing his own chef during the close season in a bid to return for this campaign in peak condition.

"I feel a lot better in myself,” he revealed.

"It's just a matter of keeping on top of it now and maintaining it, listening to the manager here, improving every day and fighting for my place." 

Shelvey’s attitude has also impressed Swansea boss Garry Monk, who has always urged the Essex-born playmaker to keep working on his game since taking charge at the Liberty Stadium in February 2014.

Jonjo Shelvey trains with England.

Despite being a regular with England's development teams, Shelvey has only picked up one senior cap so far

"Consistency is a good word - it's important," said Monk. 

"He's a young player but, at this level, you need to be consistent. 

"He showed that towards the end of last season and he's showing it again. 

"It's important he continues to work even harder, but he listens and wants to do it. Hopefully he gets even better." 

England will face San Marino and Switzerland in their first games of the new campaign next month and Hodgson names his squad for those Euro Qualifiers next week.

Tickets for the game with Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday 8 September are on sale now, click here for more details.

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels