Shawcross, 25, was first called into the national squad by Fabio Capello in March 2010, but did not make his England debut until over a year later, under Roy Hodgson, in last November's 4-2 defeat to Sweden.
However, Hughes, who took over at the Britannia Stadium in May after Tony Pulis parted company with the club, believes the Stoke captain has the ability to establish himself in the national team.
John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, a long-term partnership in the heart of England's defence, have both retired from international football in the past 12 months, leaving a regular place at centre-back up for grabs.
"First and foremost, and he will tell you the same, his priority is to be a success here and do well," Hughes told The Sentinel .
"But I have had conversations with him and the England situation is one he feels he can be a part of again.
"If he has a good season with us, and it is World Cup year, who knows? He is certainly capable of playing international level.
"He is enjoying having more responsibility in possession. And having more possession gives you a rest so that when he has to defend he can be more dynamic."
Shawcross made 40 appearances for Stoke last season, scoring one goal.
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