Tom Cleverley should go to the World Cup: David Moyes

Tom Cleverley

David Moyes has backed Tom Cleverley to be on the plane to Brazil next summer, insisting the midfielder is good enough to be a key player for England at the World Cup.

Cleverley has found himself under-fire from some sections of the Manchester United support after a low-key start to the season, but Moyes has continued to put faith in him and feels his contribution to the cause has been underestimated.

Moyes said, “He’s played well in the last two games, passed the ball well, got himself a goal and might have another in the last match.

“You can see from his stats what he gives to the team with his passing and his running. He is playing with more confidence but the whole team needs to step up, not just Tom.

“I think he is the sort of player that Roy Hodgson would like to take with him. He will need players who can get around people, who are willing to do two or three jobs and I’m sure Tom would like to be a part of that.

“We certainly like him a lot. He’s great at the training ground and for a young lad, he’s quite experienced now.”

Cleverley had been a favourite for Roy Hodgson at the start of his reign in charge of the national side, but has recently been in and out of the squad, raising doubts as to whether he will be included in the final 23 for the World Cup, especially with the likes of Ross Barkley rising to prominence.

Should Cleverley be in England’s World Cup squad?

Cleverley has completed 89% of his passes this season, hitting his target with over 700 already. However, he has only created seven chances for team-mates in 14 appearances and won his 50% of his tackles, so there is little to suggest he offers much at either end of the pitch, other than a sideways passer.

Cleverley has found his man over 700 times this season, but has struggled to carve out chances.