Wolves boss Nuno: Conor Coady must improve for England call-up

The 25-year-old defender was overlooked for a place in Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad to face Croatia and Spain in the Nations League.

And Nuno says Coady – who has helped Wolves keep three clean sheets in seven Premier League matches – will need to up his game even more.

“Those that were not in the national team squads must work harder and improve, get better, so they can become an option for their own national coaches,” said Nuno. “The responsibilities of those decision rests with the national team coaches.”

Eight Wolves players have earned call-ups for the forthcoming international break.

Among those leaving for international duty is Atletico Madrid loanee Jonny Castro Otto, who has earned his first call-up to the Spanish squad ahead of Barcelona’s Jordi Alba.

His call came after making an impressive start as a wing-back in England’s top flight – he netted the second goal in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Southampton at Molineux.

Helder Costa also earned his first senior call-up to Portugal, joining Ruben Neves and Rui Patricio in the squad, while 19-year-old Ruben Vinagre joined Diogo Jota in Portugal’s under-21s for the first time. Matt Doherty has been called up to Ireland and Raul Jimenez to Mexico.

Nuno said: “For the club it is an honour and I think represents the quality and the way the players work.

“These call-ups to international teams is a big honour to the club.

“We are delighted that the players go. At the same time we are going to stay here and work very hard with the players that are going to stay. Everything is inside the preparation of the team.”

Wolves were in London to face Crystal Palace today. They will return from the international break with a home game against Watford on October 20.