Does this in-form Bournemouth defender deserve an England call-up?

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Charlie Daniels has unexpectedly emerged as a shining light in Bournemouth’s bid to escape the drop. In a season that has defied most expectations, the 29-year-old has been almost ever-present, missing just one Premier League match. The landscape looked somewhat different last summer however. When Tyrone Mings was signed from Ipswich Town for a then club-record £8 million, it was Daniels whose place was most under threat. Nevertheless, the former Tottenham Hotspur man retained his spot in the starting XI on the opening day and has gone from strength to strength, with his cause of course being aided by Mings’ long-term injury. Such has been the high standard of his performances that some observers have even touted him for an England call-up.

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While many will scoff at the prospect of a Bournemouth player receiving international recognition, Daniels would not be the first. Of the current squad, Harry Arter and Eunan O’Kane are both involved in the Republic of Ireland set-up, while Matt Ritchie is a regular in the Scotland side. Goalkeeper Artur Boruc often features for Poland and Shaun MacDonald is named in most Wales squads. On the surface, it would appear Daniels has much to do in order to climb the pecking order and force his way into Roy Hodgson’s thinking. Despite the horrendous compound leg fracture suffered by Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, England are blessed with a variety of options at left-back including Leighton Baines, Kieran Gibbs, Ryan Bertrand and Danny Rose. However, if Daniels continues to impress, he may come in for consideration ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

Daniels was captured from Leyton Orient for a bargain £200,000 four years ago. He is one quarter of the fabled Cherries back line – the others being Tommy Elphick, Steve Cook and Simon Francis – that has represented the club in three divisions. In April 2013, they all lined up against Tranmere Rovers as Bournemouth secured promotion from League One. Fast-forward just over two years and the same back four turned out against Aston Villa for the Cherries’ inaugural Premier League fixture. It is an astonishing fact and one that dispels the myth that the club has ‘bought’ success. On the contrary, boss Eddie Howe still relies heavily on a nucleus of established players that have remained true to the club for many a year.

With Mings ruled out for the season having sustained a serious cruciate knee injury on his debut, Daniels has been guaranteed an extended run in the team. The thought of losing his place had no doubt spurred him on last summer and he has become an invaluable asset. Arguably, his is the first name on Howe’s team-sheet each week. He is renowned for lung-busting runs and pinpoint crosses, such as that which provided new recruit Benik Afobe his maiden goal against Norwich City. Defensively, Daniels is extremely reliable too. He knows his role inside-out and has grown in confidence as the season has progressed. Since suffering back-to-back 5-1 drubbings last October, Daniels and his defensive colleagues have become much more solid.

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Given that Bournemouth often field as many as eight English-qualified players in the starting XI, there is an argument that Hodgson should be rocking up at the Vitality Stadium on a regular basis. If he did, Daniels would definitely catch his eye, if only because he can certainly take a mean penalty. Howe has been effusive in his praise for the left-back and has led the calls for him to be considered for the national squad. That might sound fanciful to some, but Hodgson has a history of blooding untried players and he could do worse than to take a closer look at Daniels in the build-up to Euro 2016. Who knows, instead of relaxing on an exotic beach this summer, he just might be on a plane to France. Stranger things have happened.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Dan Westwell