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Legendary striker backs defender for England recall

Albion legend Peter Ward has a simple message for club captain Lewis Dunk, that more England caps will soon follow, saying that the defender is more than worthy of another stint in Gareth Southgate’s side for his performances in a blue and white shirt so far this term.

By Alex Stedman • 13 November 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Peter Ward speaks to BBC Sussex before Sunday's game with Manchester United.

The former Seagulls striker is one of four Albion players to have pulled on a Three Lions shirt, along with Dunk, Tommy Cook and Steve Foster. Ward’s introduction as an 85th-minute substitute on 31st May 1980 in a 2-1 win over Australia set a record for the shortest ever England career at the time at six minutes, and he spoke about the current skipper’s ability and his England appearance.

He said, “He does deserve a cap for the country because he’s playing well at the moment. He’s the leader within the side, gets stuck in well and he’s relentless. My message to him would be not to worry about not being included in the recent squad and I’d tell him that another cap will come.

“Ron Greenwood was manager of the team at the time and said ‘that’s the first of many’ in the changing room afterwards, but it wasn’t meant to be.

“It’s one of those things that you take and you’re happy with your cap. I was there when Lewis played for England against the USA last November at Wembley Stadium and I thought he did well, so I’m sure he’ll be in the side again before long.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion captain Lewis Dunk.

The legendary striker, who flew in from Miami for Sunday's contest at Old Trafford, also praised the work done so far in the new season by head coach Graham Potter after 12 matches, complimenting the trust the boss has shown in youth so far this campaign. 

“It’s been good overall, I think they’re doing great so far. I know it’s early in the season but you just hope that the side can continue as they have been on the whole,” he continued. 

“There’s been trust in youth and it’s great for the club. You have to be brave to try that in the Premier League and the more players that come through the better. It’s happening across the board and it’s great for the game. The youngsters have come in and done fantastically well, especially Aaron Connolly with the two goals on his debut, that was a great performance.

“Graham’s got an interesting background and did well at Swansea City, he definitely has something different from the norm and I’ve been very impressed so far."