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SKY TV pundit Charlie Nicholas believes Boro's David Wheater's qualities as an old fashioned centre-half are ready to earn him a place in the full England squad.

Wheater was outstanding alongside Chris Riggott at the heart of the defence against Wigan and former Celtic and Arsenal striker Nicholas says watching England boss Fabio Capello can't fail to have noticed his commanding display.

"He has to be impressed with Wheater," he told the channel's Soccer Saturday show.

"There's no doubt that Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are outstanding individuals, but this lad, when asked to play a normal old fashioned style centre-back's role, is fantastic.

"And also he likes to get in the opposition's box. He's not quite Nemanja Vidic, but he's a guy who's prepared to go and try to commit himself to it.

"He was outstanding again and I would have to think he would be in the squad."

Wheater involved in Capello's full England squad last season but is currently with the U21s preparing for their two-legged UEFA U21 Championship qualifying play-off against Wales.  

Nicholas described Boro's defending throughout the game as "first class", as the Premier League's top scorer Amr Zaki drew a rare blank.

He said: "Wheater and Riggott in particular had to sit deep as the crosses were coming in and they were facing people like Emile Heskey and Paul Scharner, who are powerful, so you know you're going to have to take a hit and be brave.

"The two of them were absolutely immense. The goalkeeper Ross Turnbull played well, but the two centre-backs were absolutely magnificent."

While he felt it was an even encounter, Nicholas admitted he couldn't begrudge Boro their victory after some of the bad fortune Gareth Southgate's men have experienced this season.

"I don't think anybody can deny Boro were due a bit of luck - although I wouldn't say they were lucky exactly. They took advantage of situations without playing outstandingly well.

"They can't always rely on this defence. It can give them so much but they've got to eventually get more people in the box and get chances. If they do that they will become a better side."

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