After being overlooked for so long, finally Leon Osman has been given his deserved call-up to the England squad.
Everton fans have often called for the selection of the versatile midfielder in the national side and now, at 31 years of age, Osman has the chance to represent his country. The one-club man has started every Premier League game in the Toffees’ impressive start to the season, scoring twice.
However, after several games this season, there have been some Everton fans questioning Osman’s performances. He is well adept at playing in the more central role he has occupied alongside Phil Neville, yet people have grown to expect more from the diminutive midfielder.
Local lads are often given a harder time by the fans, but part of the reason in Osman’s case is that he has proven his capabilities on so many occasions throughout a decade-long career at Goodison Park. There have been many times where his match-winning displays have gotten Everton out of trouble, with the academy product now closing in on a half-century of goals during his time for the club.
With some Everton fans arguing that he is past his peak, perhaps people are right to be surprised that it has taken until now for Leon Osman to get his opportunity on the international stage.