Jose Fonte backs Jay Rodriguez to make England's World Cup squad

Southampton defender Jose Fonte has claimed that teammate Jay Rodriguez should be in the England squad for the World Cup.

The striker has scored 11 Premier League goals under Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino this season.

When asked if he felt that the 24-year-old should travel to this summer's tournament, Fonte told the Daily Echo: "Definitely. If you give him confidence, like this manager (Pochettino) does, and if you trust him, he'll cause problems.

"He showed his pace, his desire, and he wants to be there in the World Cup, he wants to be in the squad. I know he plays on the left, but the gaffer gives him a lot of freedom.

"He can drift into the middle and he's been scoring his goals. Hopefully he can score a few more until the end of the season and be on the plane to Brazil."

Rodriguez made his international debut in England's 2-0 defeat to Chile in November.