Leighton Baines

By The Nark End
February 13 2010

Can Leighton Baines push for an England World Cup place,Moyes thinks he can!!

David Moyes is tipping Leighton Baines for international recognition.

England play Egypt in a friendly next month and the Everton boss wouldn't be surprised to see Baines named by Fabio Capello.

The ex-Wigan man turned in an excellent performance in the Blues' 2-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday.

And Moyes described the uncapped Baines as his side's most consistent player this season - but he knows competition for the England left-back spot is intense.

"Leighton Baines has been our most consistent player all season," he declared. "I am sure he is in the thoughts of the England manager.

"I don't think anybody would be surprised if he is in the squad for the Egypt game. He has got Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and Steven Warnock who he may need to climb over to get there - but he won't let anyone down."

Moyes also praised American international Landon Donovan - who, fittingly, is likely to line-up against England in the first game of the World Cup this summer.

"I have got to say I thought he was excellent against Chelsea," said Moyes. "It was maybe his best game since he's been here. We thought it could have been time to give him a breather but I am glad we didn't because he was a threat and he had to track Ashley Cole as well."

The Everton boss is still waiting on news on Marouane Fellaini but is pleased with the form Mikel Arteta is showing after such a long time out.

"We have put Fellaini's appointment back until the swelling goes down a bit more. We don't want to speculate until then," continued Moyes.

"We could have played Jack Rodwell but I felt Mikel's experience would give the team a boost."