Everton: Does Leon Osman deserve an England call-up?

Besides from spells at Carlisle United and Derby County on loan, Leon Osman has been at Everton his whole professional career and has become a true model for club commitment and passion.

His career has had many highs and he has been quite a consistent player when played in his most favored position, central midfielder. Last week when Everton played Southampton, the game showcased exactly what he is so good at. His passing was absolutely superb, his tackling was great and, even though he is 5ft 8 and playing in the most physical position on the pitch, he knew exactly when to move in and around the box, which gave him his goal.

Osman’s technique has always been something to marvel at and has helped earn the title of a midfield maestro. However, at the age of 31, I wonder how much longer this little wizard will be able to play in such a rigorous league and not being of the most physically astute?

Since he signed a professional contract with Everton in 2000, one major thing has lacked from his excellent career - a call up to the England squad. Able to play every positon in midfield shows that he is definitely versatile enough to fill any holes in the England midfield, which it definitely has had through out the years. I think this makes Leon Osman one of the most underrated English midfielders in the league. 

Maybe the fact that he is playing at a so-called ‘small’ club like Everton diminishes his chances. If he had moved to a ‘big’ club like Manchester United or (dare I say) Liverpool, he in my opinion would have almost 100% been called up to the England squad for his club performances.

The only reason I say Liverpool is not at all because they are a ‘bigger’ club than Everton, but rather as seen from the last Euros it is quite a bit easier to get into the England squad when you have a past manager as the England coach.

How someone like Jordan Henderson gets into the England set-up when having a terrible first season with Liverpool, while Leon Osman again shows season after season how good he is absolutely, baffles me.

Maybe Leon missing out on a call-up to the national team is also a blessing in disguise because it an absolute hinderance when a key figure of your starting eleven gets picked for international duty. All the travelling and change of rotine can have an affect on a player's form. Not forgetting the risk of picking up an injury.

Osman should not give up hope at getting a call-up to the national team, even despite his age. Especially if he continues his very good club form.

Calling all Everton fans: Should Osman get a call-up to the England squad or are you happy for him to produce the goods solely for the Toffees? Is he actually good enough to play for England? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.

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