YOUNG STILL ’OLDING ON

Ashley uses brain to roll back the years

ASHLEY YOUNG thought it was a wind-up when he was told he was back in the England fold.

But the Manchester United star has no doubt he deserves to be given a chance to roar for the Three Lions again.

After a four-year absence, Young has been recalled by England boss Gareth Southgate for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil.

Young admitted he was shocked to find out he was coming in from the cold.

“If I’m totally honest, I didn’t have a clue,” said the 32-year-old, whose last international appearance was as a substitute in the 0-0 draw in Ukraine in September 2013.

“I got told by our press officer just before the squad was announced and didn’t actually believe it at the time.”

Young insisted he had never given up believing he could add to his 30 caps.

“I never once shut the door on England or thought the door was shut on myself,” he said.

“I’m delighted to be back and I just have to perform. The manager said he would pick players on form and I’ve been able to get myself back in the squad.”

Despite that long absence, Young, who has reinvented himself as a wing-back at United, has not lost any confidence in his ability.

He may have only scored three goals in his last 98 appearances and missed a penalty for England in the Euro 2012 shoot-out with Italy, but Young does not suffer from self-doubt.

“Every time I put on the shirt I feel like I’ve played well and that I deserve the call-up,” he said.

“Having the right football brain helps. Especially in this day and age, you have to be able to adapt and play in different positions.

“I’m one of those players who can read the game well. I’ve got that experience as well to be clever, knowing where to be, when to attack, when to defend.

“It’s been quite easy to adjust to the position and with the help of my team-mates I feel like I have done it really well.

“I’ve shown I deserve to be in the England squad. But I don’t just want a place in the squad, I want to be in the team.

“I’d prefer it if I was playing further up the pitch but I’ve been able to adapt and play as a left-back or a right-back and as a wing-back. I’ve been enjoying football, playing well.”

Young revealed he had been passing on his wisdom to fellow United and England star Marcus Rashford, who is 13 years his junior.

“I said all along he’s a special talent,” Young added, saying he had regularly watched the youngster when he was playing for United’s Under-18s.

“He will ask questions about his runs and whatnot.

“Anything I can do to help him, I’ll help, as I’d do with anyone.”

Young is often spoken of for alleged diving antics on the pitch.

That is something fellow England star Raheem Sterling, who pulled out of this squad, has been accused of, including by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after the Manchester City winger won a penalty.

“A lot of things are said about diving, but if a referee gives a foul, it is a foul,” said the ex-Aston Villa ace.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I’ve not spoken to Raheem about it. You get a thick skin.”