Dean Ashton Has Perfect Game... Almost

Recently, Andrew McNair from the B/R wrote an article called "Is Dean Ashton The Man For England?" (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47940) With performances like the one he put on against Wigan last night, Ashton, very well could be the man for England.

After scoring six goals in West Ham's five preseason games, the 24-year old striker hoped to continue his hot streak.

The Hammers hosted Wigan yesterday in their first game of the 2008/2009 season.  West Ham opened up the game on the attack. Within four minutes of the game, Julien Faubert passed the ball to Ashton who proceeded to shoot into the top-right corner of the net from 12m away. The score was Wigan 0, West Ham 1. 

The day looked to go all wrong for Wigan, but they managed to put up a tough fight.  Wigan stretched the Hammers defense with crosses into the box, but each time, they managed to clear the ball. 

West Ham was then once again on the attack. After Wigan gave up a corner to West Ham, Ashton had the chance to score again. Faubert once again had a key part in the goal as he fed Ashton a corner and Ashton didn't mess up as he easily flicked the ball over the Wigan goalkeeper.

For the entire first half, West Ham looked to be in control of the game. In the 15th minute, West Ham almost made the score 3-0 when Faubert kicked another corner into the box. However, Cole's header was tipped over the net by the Wigan goalkeeper, Kirkland.

Wigan had several chances to get a score in during the first half, but they blew each chance they got.  The game went into the half 2-0, West Ham's lead.

Wigan came out of the break wanting to score a goal; and two minutes into the second half, Wigan was put onto the scoreboard. Zaki was able to volley a shot into the net from Heskey's header. The score was now West Ham 2, and Wigan 1. 

Ashton's day could've been perfect, but after taking a free kick in the 72nd minute, he had to be taken off the field because of injury. Parker was also taken off the field.  Mullins and Sears went on in their places. Both teams went on the attack during the last moments of the games.

However, neither team  managed to convert their chance. Eventually, the Hammers held on to the lead and won the match, 2-1.

With performances like yesterday, Dean Ashton could be set to prove that he should have a place on the England squad; especially since Fabio Capello was in the stands watching.  I'm sure after he recovers from his injury, that he'll score goals and allow West Ham to do well in the Premier League. 

What do you think?

Does Dean Ashton have a spot on the England squad?

Will he put on performances in the future like he did today?