Tony Pulis insists Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross deserves his England call-up despite his leg-breaking tackle on Aaron Ramsey.
The Potters boss spoke out after Three Lions coach Fabio Capello opted to stick with his plan to hand 22-year-old Shawcross a chance in Wednesday's friendly against Egypt at Wembley shortly after his red card following the horrific challenge on the 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder.
Pulis said: "The timing of this has been most unfortunate, but it should not detract from the fact that Ryan has made remarkable progress and deserves his call-up.
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While we are all deeply saddened at what has happened to Aaron, we believe that Ryan is worthy of this chance to represent his country and hopefully put himself in contention for a place in the England squad for the World Cup finals."
Meanwhile Potters chairman Peter Coates feels Shawcross has the ability to forge a long-term England career for himself after becoming the first City player since winger Mark Chamberlain in 1984 to get a call-up.
Coates told the club's website: "Everyone at the club is proud of what Ryan has achieved since he came to the Britannia Stadium and it is clear that he has a great future in the game.
"His development into one of the best defenders in the country has been outstanding and we firmly believe this will be the start of a long international career for him."