LETTER DAY YOUNG IS BACK CARRICK: IN THE WORLD MY BODY’S CUP RECKONING TELLING ME TO PACK IN
ASHLEY YOUNG will be given a chance to stake his claim for a World Cup place.
Gareth Southgate is set to call up the Manchester United defender when he names his squad on Thursday for friendlies against
Italy and Holland.
Southgate already had Young in mind before watching him at Old Trafford on Saturday and his performance in the win over Liverpool only reinforced his view.
The 32-year-old has been playing at full-back for United and his versatility has put him back in the frame after he fell out of the England reckoning.
Young, who has 31 caps, divides opinion when it comes to the Three Lions but now looks to have a big chance to be on the plane to Russia.
Southgate has also been checking on Burnley duo keeper Nick Pope and defender James Tarkowski, and veteran Brighton striker Glenn Murray.
There are major concerns about England keepers, with Joe Hart struggling for form and Stoke’s Jack Butland also having a difficult season.
Everton defender Michael Keane has also been below par, while Chelsea’s Gary Cahill is not an automatic choice.
Southgate may name a big squad to allow him to look at different options. MICHAEL CARRICK has confirmed he will retire from playing at the end of the season after 12 years at Manchester United.
The 36-year-old, who had surgery earlier this season to address an irregular heartbeat, has decided to bring the curtain down on his glittering career.
“There comes a time, wether you like it or not, that your body tells you it’s time to stop playing football,” said Geordie Carrick. “That’s pretty much where I’m at. It’s something you’ve got to Boer, sacked by Crystal Palace after four straight league defeats and no goals scored. “I read something, some quote from the worst manager in the history of the Premier accept.” Carrick, who won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup and three League Cups with United, has taken up a role within Mourinho’s coaching staff.
“It’s kind of been sorted out, but we’re still talking about it, so there’s nothing to confirm yet,” he added. “But it’s looking likely.”
Recalling the heart problem that afflicted him in September, Carrick (above) said: “I had a problem during the Burton game in the second half.
“I had a few tests after that and the same problem League – Frank de Boer,” said Mourinho. “He was saying it was not good for Marcus to have a coach like me, because the most important thing for me is to win.
“But if Marcus was coached by Frank, he would lose, because he lost every game. But I try to give the best to the kid.” De Boer, came back on the Sunday of that week in training.
“I had the procedure the following week.
“It took a little while to get over.
“There were some times there, two or three days, when I wondered whether I would carry on playing or not, asking myself, ‘Is it worth it or not?’
“But that quickly passed and I got back fit.
“I wanted to finish on my own terms, so I was determined to get fit.
“I’ve been training hard and we’ll see what happens for the rest of the season.” speaking as a TV pundit after Rashford marked his first start since Boxing Day with both goals in the 2-1 win over Liverpool, claimed Mourinho’s pursuit of winning held back young talent at United.
“Mourinho wants to get results. If Rashford has one or two not good games, he puts him out,” said De Boer. TOTTENHAM and England must wait another 24 hours before learning the seriousness of Harry Kane’s ankle injury.
The striker (right) was expected to have a scan yesterday after he suffered suspected ligament damage in Spurs’ 4-1 win at Bournemouth on Sunday.
But the ankle was too swollen to be assessed and Spurs’ medics will wait until that eases before Kane undergoes tests, pencilled in for tomorrow, which will determine just how long he will remain sidelined.
Kane left the stadium on crutches, but is optimistic about making a quick recovery. England boss Gareth Southgate will hope so with the World Cup just over three months away.