Stoke defender Shawcroos chooses England over Wales

After inking a new deal, Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross now is chasing international honours with England.

The ex-Manchester United defender penned a four-year deal on Monday that will keep him at the Britannia Stadium until 2014.

And now the Chester-born star has snubbed Wales, where his parents are from, to bid for glory with England.

Shawcross said: "It is a dream of mine to play for England in a World Cup.

"But there are 10 to 15 centre-backs that could be in the reckoning.

"So I tend to think about playing for Stoke and how well I can do for them and let the rest take care of itself."