Mark Hughes: 'Ryan Shawcross should forget about Euro 2016 trip with England'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 27 November 2015

Mark Hughes hopes that Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross can put his England ambitions to one side and continue his "outstanding" form for the Potters.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has told Ryan Shawcross to forget about his England ambitions and focus on maintaining his "outstanding" form at club level for the time being.

The 28-year-old centre-back has impressed this season, despite only making four appearances in all competitions following a long-term back injury.

Nevertheless, Shawcross has been linked with a Three Lions recall in recent weeks, but having played no part in their Euro 2016 qualification campaign, Hughes urged his man to forget about a trip to Paris next summer.

"Ryan Shawcross has had a long-term injury that he's just come back from and he's getting up to speed with things," the Welshman told reporters.

"From the first time he came back against Chelsea he's been outstanding. He certainly has the ambitions to get into the England squad but he just has to continue with performing well here.

"Roy has stuck with the players that have got him through the [Euro 2016] qualification campaign, however, so Ryan might have to wait for a change of circumstance in order to get a chance. All managers have loyalty to players that have produced for them in the past and you can understand that, particularly at this late stage before a major tournament."

Shawcross has one cap, which was won under current England boss Hodgson.