Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says Sean Longstaff has proven himself good enough to win a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Howe and the Three Lions chief have a good relationship and the latter spoke at length this week about how impressed he has been with Newcastle this season.

Only Kieran Trippier is part of his current squad – Callum Wilson has a hamstring concern – but the likes of Longstaff, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn have all been touted for inclusion.

The academy graduate has won recognition from supporters, team-mates and his manager for the impact he has made, and Howe believes elevation to the international scene is the next step.

Sean Longstaff netted against the mighty PSG during Newcastle’s demolition of the Ligue 1 side on Wednesday

Manager Eddie Howe has urged Gareth Southgate to consider the player for international duty

‘I haven’t spoken with Sean in any great detail about the England squad or his dreams and aims but I’d encourage it for him because I think he is good enough,’ said Howe.

‘I think he’s got everything depending on what system you want to play but for us, he perfectly fits the No.8 role that we’re using him in. I’d love to see him score more goals and get in more goalscoring positions because I think he is a very good finisher – you saw the other night with a really good goal against PSG, so hopefully there’s more to come from him. But he’s certainly done very well at the start of this season.’

Howe added: ‘He’d certainly be up there as one of the fittest midfielders in the league. The game the other night he covered every blade, he does that consistently.

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‘What I love about Sean is it’s not just one game and then he goes flat, hopefully not anyway! He’s been very consistent with his work ethic and the distances he hits. When you’re managing and picking a team, you need reliable players and – he’s certainly that.’

Mail Sport columnist Chris Sutton also called for the England coach to take a closer look at defender Dan Burn (centre right)

Meanwhile, Mail Sport columnist Chris Sutton says Burn should be included in the England squad at left back, and Howe said: ‘I think he’s been magnificent. He’s unusual, there are not many Dan Burn-type players playing football.

‘He’s done so well to adapt to the position but it’s a position he’s played before, so it’s not new to him. It’s just new to him for us but I think technically he’s been very good.

‘Defensively, I think he’s got a brilliant mindset to defending, I think he enjoys defending, he wants to defend. You can see in the last two games the amount of good decisions he’s made against very good opponents, whether that’s a fast tricky winger or someone who is good positionally. He finds a way to react really well in-game to make adjustments to deal with his opponent.

‘He’s a real leader and sets really high standards for himself and the team. He’s a very vocal presence in the dressing room and has the respect of all the players.’