CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes the incentive for a player to represent their country offers “great motivation”.

A number of Cherries stars have featured for their respective nations at international level, although no player has won a senior cap for England while at the club.

But with Callum Wilson, Lewis Cook and Jordon Ibe being linked with possible Three Lions opportunities, Howe insists international recognition can provide extra drive.

He told the Daily Echo: “A lot of the boys will dream of playing for their countries. It will be a great motivation for them and probably something they always wanted to do from a very young age.

“I think that motivation is really important for them. I would only try to harness that and try to make their dreams happen.

“The problem for me is you lose the control of the player for a period of time but there are benefits to be had from the international scene.”

Jermain Defoe could force his way back into England reckoning as he continues to recover from a fractured ankle.

The striker’s 57 senior caps for the Three Lions all came prior to his move to Cherries last summer.

As well as the potential England contingent, Cherries could have others from across the globe featuring in the World Cup finals in Russia this summer.

Australia’s Brad Smith and Adam Federici will be looking to stake their claims for the Socceroos having recovered from respective hip and knee injuries.

Colin Clarke was the last Cherries player to play at a major tournament when he made three appearances for Northern Ireland at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.