CHARLIE Daniels has talked up the prospect of a Cherries centre-back pairing for England.

The 29-year-old defender, himself linked with a Three Lions call-up recently, believes Simon Francis and Steve Cook could work their way into Roy Hodgson's plans.

In an unexpected state of affairs, the duo have become Cherries' settled pairing at the heart of defence after first combining this season at the start of December.

Francis began the campaign at right-back but has been a revelation since moving into the middle and boss Eddie Howe no longer considers the former Charlton man a stand-in option in that position.

Cook has featured in all but two of Cherries' Premier League games this term having firmly established himself as one of Howe's most trusted lieutenants.

The defensive duo have been instrumental in Cherries' rise from League One after initially joining on loan within a month of each other at the end of 2011.

And now Daniels, who also joined the Dorset club at that time, says both players have the talent to take the step onto the international stage as upcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands loom large.

National boss Hodgson was present for Cherries' FA Cup defeat to Everton and league stalemate at Watford at the end of last month and it is understood Francis in particular caught his eye.

Discussing Francis's improvement in an initially unfamiliar position this term, Daniels told the Daily Echo: “He has done exceptionally well and has taken to it like a duck to water.

“He has really embraced it and worked hard on his positional skills. His stature and presence and the way he has dealt with the centre-forwards he has faced has been exceptional and there is no reason why he can’t be involved in England.

“I think he has grown in stature and done really well. He’s got the whole package and the same is true of Cookie, there’s no reason why he couldn’t get in the squad as well."

On the domestic front, Cherries took a giant leap towards survival with a 3-1 victory over strugglers Newcastle at St James' Park on Saturday.

Francis and Cook were only breached by a pinpoint Jonjo Shelvey through ball that was despatched by Ayoze Perez, while Daniels showed his attacking prowess with an expertly-placed finish beyond keeper Rob Elliot.

Victory in the north east moved Cherries 11 points clear of the drop zone and on course to retain their top-flight status in the club's maiden Premier League campaign.

In fact, the 14th-placed Dorset side are just five points behind Chelsea in 10th and Daniels sees no reason why he and his team-mates should not finish in the top half of the standings.

“If it’s mathematically possible, why not?" he said.

“All we can do now is keep going and try and ensure safety as quickly as we can.

“But given how ambitious we are, we are looking up rather than down. We always have done and always will do.

“We’ve got a great squad and I think that shows on the pitch. That comes down to the manager and I think the players have to take a lot of credit as well."

Meanwhile, Cherries under-21s' Development League clash with Southend has been moved to Roots Hall. The game kicks off at 1pm today.