Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Tom Huddlestone can be the playmaker England need Fabio Capello picks him for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Despite handing debuts to Arsenal starlets Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs, the Italian overlooked Spurs midfielder Huddlestone, who also failed to make the cut from the 30-man provisional squad for this summer's World Cup.
The 23-year-old has been in outstanding form so far this season and Redknapp believes he should not only be in the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland but would be an ideal holding midfield option alongside Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
"He'd certainly be in my England squad but I don't pick the team," said Redknapp.
"I would never consider leaving Lampard and Gerrard out - they are fantastic.
"But Tom could play with them. I think Tom could be the playmaker which we haven't really got, someone to get control of the game.
"We told Tom to sit in that central position and really make his play by getting on the ball and passing the ball, keeping us in possession of the ball and also being able to hit those killer passes that he can hit."
Redknapp refused to be too critical of Capello for ignoring Huddlestone for the Hungary game, saying: "I thought he would have made it but I think he (Capello) wanted to bring a few different people in.
"He hasn't had much of a look in but I think he will. I think he will force his way in eventually."
Huddlestone was dogged by weight problems during his early Spurs career, while his off-the-ball work was also questioned.
No longer, according to Redknapp.
"He's very fit now," said the Spurs boss.
"He's in great shape, he's a good trainer. He comes here every day and is always out on the training pitch, loves to train, loves to play. Left foot, right foot, both the same to him."
He added: "Last year, he played every game. His confidence is higher now, he wants the ball.
"He thinks, 'I'm here and I deserve to be here'. Confidence is key."
Redknapp also insisted he would have no problem with Capello selecting Jermain Defoe when the England squad is named on Sunday.
Defoe's groin operation, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, is currently on hold and will remain so if the striker comes through Spurs' Premier League game with Wigan on Saturday unscathed.
Redknapp said: "If he's fit, I wouldn't stop him going."
