Shaun is made of right stuff

14 April 2012

Stuart Pearce is uniquely qualified to assess the international potential of Shaun Wright-Phillips. After all, he spent 13 years marking the best right wingers in the world and has, more recently, been involved in coaching the talented youngster now threatening David Beckham's place in the England team.

As one of Kevin Keegan's coaching assistants at Manchester City, Pearce has followed the development of Wright-Phillips and is convinced that he's now good enough for the challenge of international football.

The 23-year-old City winger came off the substitute's bench to score on his debut in a 3-0 win over Ukraine in August and has since won two more caps as a substitute. Now, he's almost certain to line up in Sven-Goran Eriksson's team for Wednesday's friendly against Holland at Villa Park.

The only question is: where will Eriksson play him?

England captain Beckham is certain to lead the team out which could mean a new role for him if Eriksson decides to play Wright-Phillips in his best position as the wide midfield man on the right.

Alternatively, the England coach may decide to try Wright-Phillips in the problematic left midfield spot or abandon his favoured 4-4-2 altogether and give him a free role in midfield.

"Shaun can play anywhere," insisted Pearce, whose 78-cap England career included the epic 4-1 win over Holland at Wembley in Euro 96.

"Anyone who's watched Manchester City knows that Shaun can play anywhere along the right, including right back, up front and in central midfield.

"If it was up to me I'd play him wide on the right. But I don't pick the team. That is someone else's problem."

The adopted son of former Arsenal legend Ian Wright, the Manchester City winger has established a very real claim to a place in the England team this season.

Pearce, who played in the same England team as Ian Wright, is just one of Shaun's growing band of supporters. Former England managers Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan have also been promoting his claims.

"Shaun could play on the left side," said City boss Keegan. "He's played all over the field for us. But I think he deserves to be in and once he gets in he'll stay."

Wright-Phillips demonstrated the full range of his talents in the goalless draw with leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge though he was unable to add to his nine Premiership goals this season.

A player of genuine pace, he has a broader range of skills than Beckham. His ability to follow a blistering run past defenders with a thunderbolt right-foot shot has become a trademark that has endeared him to fans throughout the Premiership.

"I've been very happy with my form this season," he said.

"I haven't really had a dip in form and that's mainly due to the fact that my confidence is high. I'm benefiting from the hard work of my team mates and I'm still, hopefully, improving."

Eriksson has made no secret of his admiration.

"Shaun's clever, tough and consistent and when he's tackled he always gets up again," said the Swede. "Although he's at his best on the right I'm sure he can play well on the left too."

The trouble is, so can Stewart Downing, the 20 year old Middlesbrough winger. Suddenly, Eriksson has options on the left.

Named in the squad for the first time, Downing is almost certain to make his debut against the Dutch. It may be, though, as one of six substitutes Eriksson is allowed to field.

The loss of Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand and Matthew Upson with injury means that Tottenham's Ledley King could make his sixth start for England alongside Chelsea's John Terry in the heart of the defence. King is expected to recover from a slight leg injury but Eriksson has called up Manchester United's Wes Brown as a precaution.

MORE ABOUT

Aston Villa

Shaun is made of right stuff

Read More