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da winzada777： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
For a man who is without a league goal or assist for Manchester United since the beginning of the calendar year, cynics may suggest Jesse Lingard has something on Gareth Southgate to even be named in the England squad.
The 26-year-old has been in wretched form for the Red Devils and has come under heavy criticism from his own fans for his poor performances for the club. Despite this, the Three Lions boss has picked him for the upcoming EURO 2020 qualifying games against Bulgaria and Kosovo.
Speaking in his press conference, Southgate insisted: “The inclusion of Jesse for us is partly because his form for us has always been good. He was only involved in four games for us last season because of injury – two starts and two off the bench. He scored two and had a goal disallowed when he came on in the Nations League game. He had a very good World Cup.
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“When you’re selecting a team, there’s half an eye on club form but also I don’t remember a game where he’s been really poor for us. I think for him and for everybody else, there is serious competition and if they aren’t scoring for us or they aren’t scoring for their clubs, that can make things more difficult. But, equally, I think it’s good that we support him at this moment.”
As Southgate says, Lingard has certainly been one of England’s more impressive performers. He played every single minute from the last 16 to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia, and picked up an assist in the quarter-final clash against Sweden.
When players struggle at club level, going away on international duty and being able to forget all about their troubles can often be reinvigorating. Lingard’s experiences with England are generally positive, and it will be a source of comfort for him that it is a camp where he is fully appreciated.
Despite confirming he missed training with the Three Lions, Sky Sports say Lingard is still in “contention” to play for the side. Indeed, against Bulgaria and Kosovo – teams ranked 60th and 120th in the FIFA world rankings – the 5 foot 9 star has the perfect opportunity to fill his boots, so to speak.
Getting himself back amongst the goals will provide him with a much-needed confidence boost and allow him to return to United knowing that he still has the quality.
He may not be United fans’ cup of tea right now, but if he can bring out the form he has displayed for England in previous games once more, then he could get himself back into their good books sooner rather than later.
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