HE’S JESS PERFECT
Lingard is the ultimate role model for Southgate’s young Lions and has a good habit of producing big moments on the big occasions at Wembley
JESSE LINGARD is the kind of player who sums up Gareth Southgate’s vision of the new England.
He is fast, efficient and has a fantastic record of delivering on the big occasion.
Lingard’s goal to help Manchester United clinch the EFL Cup last month was his third in as many trips to Wembley.
Southgate will be hoping more of his team are able to follow in the 24-year-old’s footsteps by learning to love playing at the national stadium, starting with tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
Tottenham struggled there this season in the Champions League – despite an England contingent of Kyle Walker, Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Danny Rose – and crashed out of the competition at the group stage.
Southgate will want home to be where the heart is and for his players to make Wembley a fortress during his reign. Lingard, expected to feature against Lithuania, is the perfect role model for his international colleagues.
The United academy graduate scored the opening goal for his club in their 2-1 Community Shield victory at Wembley against Leicester in August.
Three months earlier he had grabbed the winner in the FA Cup final, United beating Crystal Palace 2-1.
While many believed he could be marginalised by more celebrated names in the Old Trafford revolution, Jose Mourinho likes him. A lot. So too does Southgate.
In a 3-4-3 system which boss Southgate described as potentially his perfect formation after Wednesday night’s narrow defeat to Germany, Lingard should thrive.
Especially alongside Eric Dier’s steel, Dele Alli’s invention and Raheem Sterling’s ability to terrorise defences.
And that is before you even get to the finishing of either Marcus Rashford or Jermain Defoe. Or the likes of those out injured such as Rose, Henderson, Kane or Jamie Vardy, who is understood to have picked up a knock. Who says we do not have the players in this country?
The positive feeling generated by England’s display in Germany may not be a familiar one. But it could be one to get used to if it all comes together for Southgate and his young Lions.
Lithuania have won just three of their last 14 games. They lost their last two – a qualifier against Slovakia and a friendly with the Czech Republic – 4-0 and 3-0.
They last managed a win away from home three years ago – against whipping boys San Marino.
Tomorrow’s game should present a perfect opportunity for Southgate’s England to express themselves.
But they need to show their ruthlessness in front of goal when it matters.
Lingard can lead the way by lighting up Wembley again.