Jesse Lingard back in England squad after two years
Jesse Lingard, Manchester United forward currently on loan at West Ham United, has been called up into the latest England squad for their 2022 World Cup qualifiers set for later this month. He was last called up to the national team in June 2019 during the Uefa Nations league games but lost his place due […]
Jesse Lingard, Manchester United forward currently on loan at West Ham United, has been called up into the latest England squad for their 2022 World Cup qualifiers set for later this month.
He was last called up to the national team in June 2019 during the Uefa Nations league games but lost his place due to poor displays and personal problems that meant he did not feature in Man United’s squad regularly before fading into oblivion.
The 28-year-old forward has, however, had rejuvenation since joining the Hammers on loan in January and his performances have not gone unnoticed from England manager Gareth Southgate who rewarded the flamboyant attacker’s renaissance.
Southgate noted in his press conference announcing the call ups that his choice of Lingard was a result of injuries and hard work.
“We’ve got injuries in the attacking areas that have opened up an opportunity for Jesse but, I have to say, his performances for West Ham have been excellent.
“Ideally, you’d be saying you have to do it for a little bit longer but that’s not been the option this time around.”
Lingard also stated his joy at being selected on his Instagram page while further declaring a mental victory.
“Buzzin [sic] to be recalled back into the @england squad after 2 years. Its been a long journey very mentally challenging but full of hard work and belief. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, this is just the start.”
England play San Marino and Poland at home and are away in Albania in matches to be played between 25 and 31 March.
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Nick Pope (Burnley).
Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jesse Lingard (West Ham, on loan from Manchester United), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton).
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).