Matthew Etherington is a strong contender to force his way into England's World Cup squad, claims Stoke boss Tony Pulis.

The winger has been in fine form again this term with Stoke sitting comfortably in the top half of the Premier League table.

And Pulis believes a place in Fabio Capello's thoughts as he moulds his final squad for the summer showpiece in South Africa would be fully deserved.

Pulis said: "I don't think it's too late for Matty and England, he has got to be looked at.

"He has been outstanding and on a different level to anything I've seen since he joined us in January.

"It's not for me to tell Capello what to do or what not to do.

"The only thing I will say is Etherington has been excellent."