Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross has a good chance of forcing his way into the England squad this season, according to former Potters defender Ian Cranson.The uncapped Shawcross, 22, is one of a number of players hoping to capitalise on England's poor World Cup campaign.
"After what's happened this summer, he's got as good a chance as anyone," Cranson told BBC Radio Stoke.
"Whether he will make an international player, I don't know. He maybe needs to improve a little bit on the ball."
Shawcross was called up to the England squad for the first time in March, but was an unused substitute in the 3-1 friendly victory against Egypt at Wembley.
He was also in the original group of 45 players told they would be considered for selection for the World Cup by Fabio Capello, but failed to make the final 23-man squad.
Ryan's taken it on this year and he's a great prospect
Former Stoke defender Ian Cranson
England's poor performance in South Africa, which ended with a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Germany in the second round, has led to calls for changes of personnel in the team.
Cranson added that the former Manchester United trainee is improving with every match he plays in the top-flight.
"When he first came you could see there was talent there, but he was inexperienced," said Cranson, who made more than 200 appearances for Stoke between 1989 and 1996 and helped the Potters to the Second Division title in 1993.
"Towards the end of the first season in the Premier League, Abdoulaye Faye was as good a centre-half as you've seen at the Britannia Stadium and he helped Ryan no end.
"Ryan's taken it on this year and he's a great prospect."
Source: BBC Sport
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