Everton manager David Moyes believes the only thing preventing defender Joleon Lescott from getting an England call is his lack of goals.
Lescott has adapted so well to life in the Premiership since his ?3.5 million summer move from Championship club Wolves that his name is one of the first on Moyes's team sheet each week.
The 24-year-old makes his 14th top-flight start when West Ham United visit Goodison Park today.
And with regular scorers Andy Johnson and Tim Cahill both injured, Moyes believes there is no better time for Lescott, who has not found the net in 16 months, to break his Everton scoring duck.
"I think Joleon would be closer to the England side if it was not for the fact that Steve McClaren is so strong in that area," Moyes said.
"He's played in left-back and center-back positions since he came here. No one has given him the run-around and he's handled all the challenges really well. He's not been done for pace or strength. The only thing missing from his game is goals and I have told him that," Moyes said.
"There's not a lot of defenders capable of scoring goals. John Terry can get you a goal and that's why he's playing for England. Defenders have to be consistent and reliable and Joleon is proving to be both. He's good to have around the place and I've been really impressed with him," Moyes said.
Moyes is demanding his team share the goals while Johnson and Australian midfielder Cahill remain on the treatment table.
Johnson, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem, could make a surprise return this weekend after resuming light training.
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