Why Jack Cork Completely Warrants His England Selection

Why Jack Cork Completely Warrants His England Selection
12:09, 08 Nov 2017

As player after player dropped out of the England squad for upcoming meetings with Germany and Brazil, it forced Gareth Southgate to delve deeper into the national pool to bulk up the numbers. Midfield quartet Dele Alli, Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson and Fabian Delph had all ducked out of the squad through injury and with Jake Livermore the only other central midfielder called up as cover, Southgate needed to bring in another player in order to make up the numbers.

Having hinted that a lack of competitive action saw Jack Wilshere miss out, Southgate couldn’t backtrack on his words to give the Arsenal man the call and instead handed Jack Cork a first England call-up. The 28-year-old has played no part on the international stage since Team Great Britain’s 2012 Olympics showing, yet he has done enough to warrant a look in by the England boss. Burnley are currently seventh in the Premier League, three points off Chelsea in fourth, with Sean Dyche doing a fine job in lifting the Clarets up the table.

Burnley finished just six points above the relegation zone last season, a fine achievement all things considered, yet now appear to have taken a big step in the right direction in their bid to consolidate a Premier League spot. Of course, it could all go pear shaped in the second half of the campaign, particularly if Dyche leaves having been linked with the vacant Everton spot, yet he’s done well to keep the core of the squad together - Micheal Keane aside - and made astute, Premier League experienced acquisitions for the good of the team.

While Dyche had a settled consistent XI to begin with, Cork has come in and slotted in seamlessly at Turf Moor for the second time in his career. He’s one of four Burnley players to play every minute this season, while seven of the 17 players Dyche has used this term have registered over 900 minutes of action. It could well have been that Cork was forced to bide his time to wait for regular action, yet Dyche thrust the former Swansea man straight into action and the Clarets are all the better for it.

Indeed, Cork ranks third for tackles (1.7) and interceptions per game (1.6) of all Burnley players this season with his influence in the middle of the park helping shield the defence. It’s a contributing factor as to why Dyche’s side has shipped just nine league goals this season; only Manchester City, Tottenham (both 7) and Manchester United (5) have conceded fewer. Considering Burnley are averaging the third least possession (43.9%) in England’s top tier this term, a defensively disciplined central midfielder is vital, with Cork carrying out his duties with aplomb.

He’s won possession in the midfield third more times (47) than any other English Premier League player this season and is second for passes per game (42.5) and has the fourth best pass success rate (79.5%) for Burnley. While the latter stat can be improved upon, it’s a respectable return in a Clarets side that looks to break forward at speed down the flanks once they do win the ball. This doggedness and tenacity in the middle of the park could prove vital for an England side that is unlikely to see much of possession when they do face Germany and Brazil.

Considering some Premier League managers are aiming to implement a more pragmatic approach at club level, Cork’s experience in playing such a style in midfield could be vital if Southgate wishes to do similar in the coming fixtures at Wembley. While some feel Southgate should have gone back on his words and reinstated Wilshere to the squad, Cork has been a vital cog in the Burnley machine and warrants a look in on the international stage considering his good form under Dyche.

Some may suggest that Cork’s call-up points to a wider problem in the English talent pool, yet Burnley fans will have you believe the midfielder warrants his place in Southgate’s and on current form, it’s hard to disagree. Whether this is the first and last time Cork is included in the England set-up, it remains to be seen, but there is no denying he deserves a shot at that first senior cap on the back of his solid Burnley showings, with Tuesday’s late call up warranted.

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