Hughes: Wright-Phillips deserves another England chance

The 26-year-old has not played for England since the friendly with Switzerland in February, but could be named in the squad that will take on Kazakhstan and Belarus.

He said: “I would be surprised if Shaun isn’t in the England squad because he has been outstanding since he came back to the club.

“If he is not in this squad then he absolutely will be in the next one in the New Year when he has had 20-odd games under his belt.”

He added: “Shaun is great in the dressing room.

“It has been easy for him to settle right back in even though there is a different management team. This is his club and he is comfortable here.

“The benefit from playing with a smile on his face and playing regularly is there for everyone to see.

“He has come back a better player than he was when he left, I don’t think there is any doubt about that.

“Shaun is a wiser player who has won trophies and you can see that additional experience in his play.

“He has always had outstanding pace and the ability to go past people but what he has added is a deeper understanding of the game and situations and a more acute awareness of people around him.

“He is much better player now.”