Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes that winger Wilfried Zaha can still stake a claim to secure a place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2016.
Palace, who can be backed at 8.00 to win the FA Cup, enjoyed a great first half of the season but have slipped off the pace and currently sit 13th in the Premier League.
However, the Eagles booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 21 years by beating title-chasing Tottenham on Sunday.
Zaha has been crucial in everything Palace have done well this term and he assisted Martin Kelly to score the only goal against Spurs.
The 23-year-old has been rejuvenated this season and looks a much happier player than the one who struggled to break through at Manchester United.
Yannick Bolaise’s long-term absence through injury has placed a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of Zaha and Pardew believes he has dealt with it well.
The winger has two caps for England and his club boss is certain he can add to that tally with friendlies coming up late in March against Germany and Holland.
Pardew said: “In this little run, with Yannick out, he needed to become the main man and boy has he taken that on board. His defensive work has improved immensely.
“Roy [Hodgson] is really spoilt in terms of young players, but I still think Wilf is one of the best in the country at taking on and beating players and he must have a real chance of going [to France for the Euros].”
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet