Football
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Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey denies ever snubbing England

England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey insists he has never refused to play for his country.

The 23-year-old Swansea man, who won his sole senior cap to date in October 2012, has returned to the Three Lions squad for the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino away on Saturday and Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday.

On the previous occasion Shelvey was called up in October 2014, England boss Roy Hodgson said the player had been "reticent'' to turn out for the under-21s -- who he was still eligible for -- again having already featured for the senior team.

But when asked about that on Wednesday at St. George's Park, Shelvey said: "I didn't refuse to play for my country -- I have always made myself available.

"If not, my dad would have killed me to be honest.

"I think a lot of it has been rumours. I spoke to [England Under-21s boss] Gareth Southgate -- he rung me and said by the time the Under-21s Euros came around [in June 2015], he didn't expect me to be with them anyway.

"I think a lot of it has been misread. I have always made myself available. It is every boy's dream to play for their country at any level. I would never turn my back on my country.''

England were also facing San Marino on that occasion in October 2014 when Shelvey, whose final under-21s appearance of 13 had come just over a year earlier, was called up by Hodgson but did not play.

And it was against San Marino that Shelvey got his first and only England senior run-out in 2012, coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 win at Wembley.

On the prospect of adding to that cap the best part of three years later against the same opposition, Shelvey said: "It's obviously down to Roy if I get to start, and I'll play anywhere for my country.

"It is just an honour to be here and hopefully I can get a chance to start a game and show everyone what I can do.

"It seems every time I get called up we are playing San Marino. But I just want to get a start, hopefully I can, and then it is down to me to cement a place in this squad.''

Saturday could see both England seal qualification for next summer's European Championship and captain Wayne Rooney become England's record goalscorer - he currently has 48, one behind Sir Bobby Charlton on the all-time list.

Shelvey, one of several star performers in Swansea's impressive start to the season, is full of admiration for Rooney and eager to help him reach the landmark.

Shelvey said: "For me, he is the best English player in England, a tremendous player. His record speaks volumes.

"And if I play, I will try to set him up to get the goals. He is a great player and hopefully he can do it.''

England have won six out of six Euro 2016 qualifiers so far, and on the prospect of making it 10 out of 10, Shelvey added: "Roy spoke about it last night in the meeting and hopefully we can go out and do that.

"There is no reason why we can't. I think we have the ability in the team and no matter who plays, I feel anyone can go and do a job.

"Qualifying on Saturday would be a great achievement, take the pressure off the team and help us in terms of getting ready for the tournament.

"But I don't think Roy wants the team to take the pressure off. He is always pushing for the next step.''

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