Jesse Lingard must start for England at World Cup 2018 – Jermaine Jenas
Posted Wednesday, February 28, 2018 by squawka.com
Jermaine Jenas believes Jesse Lingard should be starting for England at this summer's World Cup in Russia.
The 25-year-old forward is currently enjoying a productive season with boyhood club Manchester United, recently scoring the winner in their narrow 2-1 victory over top-six rivals Chelsea.
His performances this season has earned widespread praise, with Jenas feeling the Warrington-born footballer, with eight international caps under his belt, should start in Gareth Southgate's team.
"Lingard might not be able to get into the United side but he should be nailed on for England. He is at the point now where he has to start for Gareth Southgate's side at this summer's World Cup," he told BBC Sport.
"When you watch what he is doing and the positions he picks up, you notice the intelligence that he shows – not only on the ball but with the runs that he makes off it.
"Then there is the number of goals he is scoring – 10 in his past 18 appearances since the end of November – and you think how can he not start with the way he is playing," added the former Spurs player.
"If you look at it from Mourinho's point of view, however, I can see why he is experimenting, even if it does not always work."
Lingard: the season so far
Lingard, who made his England debut under Southgate in October 2016, has featured across 35 matches in all competitions for the Red Devils this season.
He's already enjoying his best ever return this term, having registered 13 goals, more than doubling his previous best effort of six in 40 across the 2015/16 season – the last under former boss Louis van Gaal whom he made his United debut under.
His efforts haven't gone unnoticed by Southgate, who has fielded him in the Three Lions' last four outings, albeit each one of those appearances came off the bench.
His only starts for England came at the backend of 2016, including playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-2 home draw with Spain.
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