Wigan manager Steve Bruce believes England "badly miss" his former Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes.
Fabio Capello will soon name his squad for friendlies against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in friendly matches and Scholes will again be missing after announcing his international retirement four years ago.
Bruce, whose Wigan side face United in Sunday's crucial Premier League game at the JJB Stadium, would love the 33-year-old to change his mind.
He said: "I had the privilege to play alongside Paul when he was a kid.
"He is a fantastic footballer and England has missed him so badly for years now.
"People talk about Frank Lampard and he is a great player but Paul Scholes would get in any England team because of his sheer ability.
"Bobby Charlton once said Paul was his favourite player. When you think of all the great players that have come through United, there cannot be a higher accolade."
Scholes has regained top form after a knee injury and is aiming to help United retain their title with a win on Sunday.
He also has a Champions League final to look forward to on May 21 against Chelsea in Moscow.
It was fitting Scholes scored the goal that took United past Barcelona in the semi-finals as he missed out through suspension in 1999 when the club famously lifted the trophy to complete the treble.
Bruce said: "Paul deserves to get to the final. I am so glad he has got his chance, absolutely.
"The way he conducts himself, the way he shuns publicity is quite refreshing. He just gets on with his job and says nothing."
United will almost certainly retain the title if they triumph at the JJB Stadium even if Chelsea beat Bolton, given their superior goal difference.
Bruce insists he will not be doing his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson any favours as they want to finish on a high themselves and extend their five-match unbeaten run.
Wigan go into the game on the back of a superb victory at Aston Villa that secured their top-flight status for a fourth season.
Bruce said: "This is the best league in the world because of its honesty and integrity.
"Make no mistake we will be trying our upmost. Manchester United will expect that as well.
"They are the best club in the world - not just because I played there - because they do everything in the right way.
"It will be a fascinating spectacle as we are playing arguably our best football at this time and don't want the season to end.
"There has been an unbelievable turnaround here since Christmas when we were in serious trouble. I have to thank the players and my staff for working incredibly hard."
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