SIMON Francis revealed his surprise that England interim boss Gareth Southgate had not dipped into the talent pool at Vitality Stadium but insisted Michael Keane's call-up should encourage his Cherries team-mates.

None of Cherries' English contingent were given the nod by Southgate for the current international break, with the Three Lions hopeful of following their 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Malta on Saturday with another win in Slovenia tomorrow.

When Southgate announced his initial squad, veteran full-back Glen Johnson was a surprise selection given his absence from the national team since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

But the Stoke City man soon withdrew due to injury and was replaced by 23-year-old defender Keane.

Skipper Francis felt the likes of Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels and Adam Smith – the latter of whom worked with Southgate in the England Under-21s set-up – would have been considered.

And the 31-year-old, rumoured to be close to an international call-up last term, believes Cherries will soon be represented in the national squad.

Asked if he felt a Cherries player would earn England honours in the near future, Francis told the Daily Echo: "Yes, I think so. I am maybe a little bit shocked none of the lads have been called up this time because of the lack of players we've had and the way the international scene is going.

"To top it off, Michael Keane has been called up which is absolutely excellent for him and I think he has been brilliant for Burnley this season. Having said that, we have had lads who played last season and were successful in the Premier League, especially in that position.

"I would probably count myself out of that category because of my age but Steve Cook, Adam Smith and Charlie Daniels were linked with it last season.

"I don't see why they wouldn't have been considered and I'm sure it was in the manager's thinking but the lads didn't hear anything.

"If there's room for Keane to get in there then I don't see why they couldn't. In the near future, I definitely think players could be called up."

Francis added: "It's a great sign that Southgate did put Keane in the squad because he picked a player from Burnley, who were promoted last season.

"If Glen Johnson had dropped out and he had picked someone from a top club who hadn't been playing, or maybe a name who had previously been in the England set-up, it would have been a bit disappointing.

"It's opened the door for all English players in the league, no matter what their team's position. It's more about how they perform week in, week out, which is how it should be.

"You should be picked on your performance levels and we've certainly had some players who have been performing excellently in the opening part of the season.

"Hopefully, in the future an England call-up will happen."