Newcastle United defender Federico Fernandez says Jamaal Lascelles deserves an England call.

In Fernandez's opinion, if United are to pull clear of the relegation zone, then Lascelles' defensive and leadership qualities will be crucial in helping the Magpies climb up the table.

"Jamaal is young, he's physical, and last season especially he had a great campaign throughout," Fernandez told the Evening Chronicle.

"I think England's style has now changed a little, the squad is younger than before - and, when I was at Swansea, my former team-mate Alfie Mawson got a couple of chances with England.

"So I don't see why one day Jamaal won't get called up. Maybe they [England] will look at him in some friendly games so he can show his quality for his country.

"He needs to keep working. It's not always dependent on just him, either. The team needs to do well to help him to achieve this.