CENTRE-half Steve Cook has tipped Troy Deeney for England honours but hopes the Watford striker will not show call-up form at Vicarage Road this afternoon (3pm).

Former Walsall frontman Deeney has made more than 200 league appearances for the Hornets since joining in the summer of 2010, averaging nearly a goal every other game in that time.

The Watford skipper has netted twice in seven games this season and with the England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia poised to be announced tomorrow, Cook feels Deeney could be close to a call from interim boss Gareth Southgate.

Asked if Deeney was Three Lions material, Cook said: "Why not? He has all the attributes to play for England. But there are a lot of English strikers pushing for one or two spots.

"He's a player who has come through tough times and to find himself being linked with England is unbelievable.

"I'm sure he will believe in himself and will want to be playing for England. That's the next step for him, I would have thought.

"Hopefully, he doesn't show that sort of form at the weekend."

Deeney might stand an inch shorter than Cook at 6ft but is an infamously combative and muscular operator on the pitch and the Cherries defender is expecting a tough assignment – assuming both players are selected.

Cook added: "He is a very tough opponent. Every team in the Premier League seems to have a big lad up top so I need to do something – I need a late growth spurt!

"He's very strong and has a very good jump so it's the same kind of challenge as a number of players we've faced but equally he is a very good footballer.

"He can drop in to receive the ball and next minute you will find him challenging for the ball as well."

Discussing Watford's recent form, Cook added: "In their last home game they beat Man United but on Monday against Burnley they were disappointed.

"You aren't sure what team is going to turn up on the day. You know they have outstanding footballers and individuals.

"But it's all about us. If we get it right, I feel we will get the three points."

Cherries' clean sheet in the victory over Everton last weekend was their second on the trot at home in the Premier League.

And the 25-year-old Cook is desperate to achieve another shutout to add to his collection, with Cherries' last clean sheet away from home coming at Watford in February.

He added: "It's a massive thing for defenders. It's like scoring a goal.

"We've got two in three at home now against West Brom and Everton and we are hoping to build on that this weekend.

"A lot was said about our defensive record last year, which hurt, and still does, because I feel we are better than that and we are going to show that this season."