Jesse’s got it all to play for
FIVE years ago today, there was a special moment at Wembley Stadium.
Gareth Southgate, ahead of his first game as an international manager, gave an England debut to Jesse Lingard.
The Manchester United man had done well for the new senior boss at Under-21 level and Southgate can be very loyal.
But half a decade on, Lingard, 28, stands at something of an international crossroads.
With his opportunities at Old Trafford limited, the attacking midfielder fell out of the squad, but a rejuvenating loan spell at West Ham got him back into the England fold.
He just missed the cut for the Euros but is back once again.
Deep down, though, Lingard knows he has to get more chances at United to have a fighting chance of making it into the World Cup squad.
He said: “The World Cup is a long way away but you need regular football.
“I was so close to going to the Euros and so I think a lack of game time plays a huge part.
“You know if you’re playing over 20, 25 games, you’re knocking on the door. I think it does play a big part.”
But so far this season, Lingard has made five substitute appearances and been unused on three occasions, although he believes his performances haven’t been too bad.
“I think I’m not doing any harm at the moment,” he said. “If I keep performing well, you never know what might happen.”
Pointedly, though, Lingard refuses to discuss his contract situation, with his deal expiring in the summer.
But he is happy to talk about a couple of arrivals who have made his place in the pecking order less secure.
Lingard said: “We all know Jadon’s a world-class player and I feel like he’s slowly adapting now.”
There are no such struggles for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lingard added: “He’s been brilliant. He’s brought so much to the team.”