Meet the trio of Bournemouth players in England contention

AFC Bournemouth took a giant leap toward Premier League survival with their recent 2-0 derby win over Southampton and the Cherries’ fairytale season could continue with a trio of Dean Court regulars being talked up for international honours.

Eddie Howe’s men were largely tipped to drop straight back into the second tier after coming up as champions last year but with wins over the likes of West Ham, Chelsea and Manchester United the south coast club find themselves eight points above the drop zone with 10 games to go.

The club’s rise in recent years has seen the likes of Harry Arter and Matt Ritchie earn call-ups for Ireland and Scotland respectively but it is the England team that could next be boosted by some Cherries presence with Charlie Daniels, Andrew Surman and Simon Francis all being talked up in recent weeks.

Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson is reported to have run the rule over Daniels in recent weeks, with the 29-year-old in fine and consistent form for Howe’s side.

Surman missed much of the start of the season but a mixture of injury to others and an upswing in his own form has seen the former Southampton youth become a commanding part of the Cherries’ survival bid.

Former England international Darren Anderton, who saw out his playing days at Dean Court, has also talked up Simon Francis, saying he should be in the Three Lions squad for their upcoming games.

Great night at #afcbournemouth last night. Such a mature performance to win comfortably 2-0.. Simon Francis should be in the England squad

— Darren Anderton (@DarrenAnderton) March 2, 2016

Howe fully expects a call from Hodgson in the coming weeks but refuses to put unnecessary pressure on his players by naming those he personally sees as deserving of a call-up, telling the Daily Echo: “There would be players … that I would look at and think very seriously about including in my squad if I were (Hodgson).

“I do believe we have one or two who could be interesting to him. Whether or not they make the final cut, who knows?”

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing.