Asmir Begovic: Ryan Shawcross would be "big asset" for England

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has insisted that teammate Ryan Shawcross should be a regular member of the England squad.

Twenty-seven-year-old Shawcross appeared for the Three Lions against Sweden in 2012, but since then has been overlooked by manager Roy Hodgson.

However, having played alongside the centre-back over the last few seasons, Begovic believes that Shawcross "would be a big asset to the England squad".

"I'm not just being biased because he's my teammate and a good friend, but for the life of me I cannot understand [why he is not in the squad]," the Bosnian told Sky Sports News.

"He is a top centre-half in England. Over the last couple of years he's progressed as a player and added a couple of skills to his game. He would be a big asset to the England squad."

Shawcross is also eligible to play for Wales, but he has so far opted against representing the Red Dragons.