Southgate: Zaha’s heart wasn’t in it for us
GARETH SOUTHGATE believes Wilfried Zaha never possessed the desire to play for England. The England manager also criticised Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish for questioning why Zaha had been overlooked by the national team. Zaha, after winning two caps for England in friendlies, opted to play for the Ivory Coast earlier this year. A stunning strike against Russia last week prompted Parish to tweet: ‘Why is this goal not for England?’ Palace wanted Zaha to play for England so they would not lose their winger during the Africa Cup of Nations. Southgate said one of his first tasks as England boss was to hold talks with Zaha over his international future. ‘He was the first player I went to see when I got the job permanently but he’d already made his mind up to go across to the Ivory Coast. We hoped to have him as an option for us but there’s nothing we could do about it. ‘I have to focus on players who are desperate to play for England. If you feel that internal 100 per cent passion for playing for England, then I’m not sure it’s for me to sell that to you. It should be your desire to do it.’ On Parish’s remark, Southgate added: ‘Steve’s an intelligent guy who’s done a fantastic job for that football club. I’m not sure it’s helpful to comment, like I wouldn’t comment on his decisions and we’re both in important roles.’
THE FRIENDLY between Ivory Coast and Senegal at the Stade Charlety in Paris was halted by an 88th-minute pitch invasion last night. The score was 1-1, with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane hitting a second-half penalty before Cyriac equalised. As both sides chased a winner, unruly fans dashed on to the pitch. Stewards struggled to control the invaders, and Senegal’s Lamine Gassama was rugby tackled by one assailant. As players fled to the tunnel, French referee Tony Chapron abandoned the game, which also featured Manchester United’s Eric Bailly, Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Idrissa Gueye of Everton.