Dicks - Cresswell has got his just rewards

Dicks hopes to see more Hammers called up for England
West Ham United coaching assistant Julian Dicks believes Aaron Cresswell has been rewarded for his all hard work over the last two seasons following his call-up to the England squad and feels he has been one of the most consistent left backs in the Premier League.

Cresswell has been one of the star performers for the Hammers following his move to the east London Club back in 2014.

The 26-year-old was strongly tipped to be included in the England squad for the European Championship Finals during the summer, but just missed out on a place.

Despite a knee injury which forced him to miss the start of the season, Cresswell has made a successful return to action and has now been called up by Gareth Southgate for the big games against Scotland and Spain at Wembley.

Dicks has worked closely with Cresswell and helped him to become an even better left back and was delighted to see him earn a call-up.

Dicks said: “I thought Aaron was our most consistent player last season. Unfortunately he got injured during pre-season but his call-up has been a long time coming. He is a good lad and hopefully he gets to play.

“It surprised me that he didn't get a call-up during the summer and that he never got the chance to play last season. He has been the most consistent player and has a great left foot on him.

“He has developed since he joined West Ham and when players have the ability like he has, you can work and develop them even more. He is as fit as you like and can play as a wing-back as well. He has been a fantastic signing for West Ham.

“The new system that we are playing obviously suits him and it gives him the freedom as well.

“He is fit enough to do that job. I remember Harry Redknapp trying to put me into that position against Charlton and I couldn't do it!

“But Aaron has got a great engine on him and does the job very well. It is about time that a West Ham left back got a call-up into the England squad!

“I sent a text message to him as soon as I found out and he got back to me straight away and it is great news for him. Everyone wants to play for their country and he has got his just rewards.”

 

I thought Aaron was our most consistent player last season.

Julian Dicks

 

The West Ham fans will be thrilled to see Cresswell follow in the footsteps of Michail Antonio and become the second Hammer to be included in the England squad this season.

Dicks, who himself was unlucky not to get an England cap when he was producing his best form at West Ham, feels the time has finally come for the Hammers players to be rewarded and represent their country at the highest level.

Dicks added: “A lot of West Ham players have been overlooked by England over the years going back to when Billy Bonds was playing.

“But when you have players like Michail and Cress, you can't keep overlooking them because they are two outstanding players.

“The World Cup in 2018 is a big goal for any player and now Cress has got into the squad, hopefully he can stay there and it would be lovely for West Ham to have some players performing at the World Cup.”