SEAN Dyche believes Ben Mee can be the next Burnley player to earn an England cap.

Mee’s centre back partner James Tarkowksi has been a regular in Gareth Southgate’s squads over the past few months and was on standby for the summer’s World Cup but was forced to withdraw through injury.

Michael Keane, Tom Heaton, Nick Pope and Jack Cork have also earned England honours in recent years under Dyche’s watch and the Turf chief, whose side host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, believes Mee can be the next Clarets cab off the rank.

The Burnley boss said: “There’s been noises about should he be considered (for England), I think he should be. I think he has somewhat but I think he should be considered a bit more seriously.”

Mee has long been held in high regard in East Lancashire having established himself as a key player for the Clarets since joining from Manchester City, initially on loan, in 2011.

He has made the step up to the Premier League with ease in the last two seasons and has continued to impress this term, forging a strong partnership with Tarkowski having previously gelled well with Keane.

And Dyche feels as though his captain goes under the radar.

“Around these parts he gets some respect and rightly so, he’s earned the right,” added the Clarets chief.

“He sometimes is looked on as the solid type while the others catch the eye, but I like defenders who defend, which he does.

“He punches well above his weight physically and he can play better than most people think.

“I think he can play technically better than most people think. He was brought at Man City, playing as well as defending.

“I think he’s a very good centre back, he’s developed himself, let alone what we’ve helped him with, into a solid professional.”

Mee returned to his former club last weekend and the Clarets enjoyed a day to forget as pep Guardiola’s side secured a 5-0 success.

Burnley will bid to bounce back against the Blues this weekend.

And while the City match could be viewed as good preparation for taking on another of the Premier League’s unbeaten teams, Mee is not so sure.

The 29-year-old said: “They are a good side as well and we will look forward to that game and being back at Turf Moor

“There is probably never a good time to play these sides. City are a top-quality side and we have another one on Sunday and we need to put in a quality performance.”