The FA have confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ryan Mason has been called up by England after Liverpool playmaker Adam Lallana pulled out with a groin strain.
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While a holding player rather than an attacking asset like Lallana, Mason has a good opportunity to earn his first cap.
There is currently a dearth of English defensive midfielders operating at the top level, and Mason has performed excellently for Spurs throughout the campaign. This Premier League season, he has made over three tackles per game as he shields his back four, and keeps play ticking over with an average of over 50 passes each match.
With Arsenal star Jack Wilshere still recovering from ankle surgery, and Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph currently sidelined with illness, Michael Carrick is likely next in line to make his international return for Roy Hodgson’s men.
Still, Mason could very well feature, and it would be a fine reward for some consistent and solid performances.