Manchester United star Jesse Lingard admits he was emotional at being left out of the England squad for the Euros

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has opened up on being left out of the England squad for this summer’s European Championship.

The 28-year-old made a strong claim to be included thanks to a strong second half of the season on loan at West Ham United. He was included in the 33-man extended squad but failed to make Gareth Southgate’s final cut for the tournament.

While being cut certainly put a dampener on his mood, he has admitted that he accepts Southgate’s decision.

“It was emotional. You’re sad and you’re down, but you’ve got to respect the manager’s decision.”

Lingard went on to add that he shares a strong relationship with Southgate and is currently showing his support for his men in white. He was true to his word and even joined England supporters to watch their opening game against Croatia in a beer garden.

“Me and Gareth have a great relationship, and now it’s about supporting the boys.”

The United star was nowhere in the contention for a spot in England squad this time last year. The fact that he was able to do that, that too in just half a season is a testament to the impact he had at West Ham.

“Last year, November time, I think no one thought I’d get near the team. But I worked hard, did well on loan and England came knocking.”

Ready for a move?

Lingard is one of the United players who will have a decision to make this summer. With his contract expiring next summer he could be one of the players on the move.

He has hinted that the opportunity to play regular football could play a role in his decision. As things stand, it is difficult to see him achieve that at Old Trafford. Whether his feelings hint at his preferences or is a hint to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains to be seen. If anything he has already shown what he can on the field.

“Regular football is the most important thing for me. After going on loan and getting a good run in the team, you started to see the real me, with the goals and the assists.”

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Lingard was amongst the best players in the Premier League in the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign. He won the Premier League Player of the Month and the Goal of the Month awards for April. To call his loan spell a success would be an understatement.