Pranav Nair
Gareth Southgate claims Manchester United star Jadon Sancho undeserving of England spot
According to Sky Sports, England manager Gareth Southgate has made an unflattering remark on the inclusion of Manchester United star Jadon Sancho in his squad for the upcoming internationals.
The flying winger is one of the finest young attackers of his generation and joined United to much fanfare this summer. He has, however, not hit the ground running and is going through a poor patch of form.
It, therefore, comes as a surprise that the 21-year-old was named in the Three Lions squad announced yesterday. Sancho is yet to make a single shot on target in his five Premier League appearances so far.
Southgate is not blind to Sancho’s struggles and admits his recent run of form does not warrant a place in the national squad. Now that he has made it, the onus is on the 21-year-old to show he belongs.
“Does he deserve to be in on these performances over the last few weeks? Well probably not.”
The United ace was one of three players who missed his penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy. This saw him subjected to racial abuse. Southgate, despite the player’s difficulties and his own admission, retains faith in Sancho’s ability.
“I think we feel we have invested in Jadon over a period of time, we believe he can get to a high level.”
Southgate goes on to add that he will have a talk with Sancho regarding his struggles at Old Trafford. He believes showing faith in the player at this moment of time will send the right message across.
“I would like some time with him to chat with him and help that process that’s going on at Manchester United as well and I think for him to feel that we have belief in him at this point is a good message.”
Southgate believes Sancho will take time to adapt to the Premier League following his success in the Bundesliga. Hopefully, it will happen sooner rather than later.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand gutted by club’s inability to sign Federico Chiesa
- Three Manchester United players named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad
- Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for the PL Player of the Month award
The Three Lions face Andorra on October 9 before welcoming Hungary to Wembley on the 12th. Luke Shaw and Jesse Lingard have also been named in the Three Lions squad.
