Five Swans who should have played for England

If Jonjo Shelvey makes his first England appearance in their Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino tomorrow evening, he will become the first player ever to be capped by England while playing for Swansea City.

However he’s certainly not the first Swans player worthy of a call up. Here are five players who, in this blogger’s opinion, should have worn the Three Lions at least once:

1. Leon Britton
Nobody in world football could say Leon Britton didn’t deserve to play for his country at least once.

A small but tough central midfielder with quick feet and an excellent read of the game, Britton owned the centre of every pitch he played on during the 2011/12 season.

In fact, statistics suggested he was the best passer in European football in January 2012, with 93.3 per cent passing accuracy; beating the likes of Barcelona’s Xavi and Sergio Busquets. Both Xavi and Busquets would have made it into the England squad, and so too should have Britton.

2. Nathan Dyer
During Swansea’s Premier League promotion-winning season of 2010/11 Dyer was one of the first names on the team sheet. Soaring up the right wing, he terrified defences across the Championship, while his tricky footwork won Swansea their first penalty in that season’s play-off final.

He easily made the step up to the Premier League and produced magnificent performances against some of the biggest teams in the country, but was time and again overlooked by Fabio Capello.

Unfortunately in recent seasons he’s lost a little pace and confidence, and is currently on loan at Leicester looking to rebuild his reputation.

3. Wayne Routledge
There’s still time for Routledge and England to hook up – especially as he’s represented his country at under 21 level – but, currently playing more of a fringe role with Swansea, that time is running out.

It took years for the agile winger to settle with one club, after an early career of short stints and loan spells. But when he arrived at Swansea it was clear he had found a permanent home.

His Premier League, Cup and European performances have been top notch, but they apparently don’t deserve an England call up. They don’t know what they’re missing.

4. Lee Trundle
Whether Swans fan or not, everyone can agree that the international stage would have been so much more entertaining had Lee Trundle been involved.

Armed with an arsenal of flicks, tricks and cheeky back-heels, his showmanship was matched completely by his lethal finishing and ability to change a game.

Unfortunately his first stint with Swansea – in which he scored 77 times in 143 appearances – was during the club’s lower league days and therefore probably wouldn’t have been on Sven’s radar. He should have watched Soccer AM!

5. Garry Monk
Okay, so perhaps Monk wasn’t the greatest defender to have ever pulled on a Swansea City shirt, but he was tenacious, tough, consistent and loyal – not to mention one of the most important captains the club has had.

While he saw less time on the pitch as his playing career came to an end, he still managed to make the step up into the Premier League and make a difference in some huge games for Swansea.

He’s hung up his boots for good now, but it’s as manager of the club he has arguably made his biggest impact. And there is still plenty of time for him to represent England… in the dugouts, when Roy retires!