LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE JOY
WHERE OTHERS SEE A CRUSHING BURDEN, LINGARD SEES ENGLAND DUTY AS STRESS-FREE PLEASURE
SOME players shrink in the England shirt.
But it looks made to measure for Jesse Lingard, who has thrived under Gareth Southgate’s management. Lingard plays with a smile on his face and epitomises the fearless attitude Southgate wants from his young squad. Maybe that is why the 25-year-old is not worried about voicing his belief that England can win the World Cup, as he claimed never to be stressed when he pulls on a Three Lions shirt. “At the moment, I don’t feel pressure,” said Lingard. “I’m enjoying my football and playing freely. The group of lads we have around us help that, and especially the manager. “He trusts the players and it’s only right we perform. “We know in our heads as players what we want to achieve in this tournament so as long as we believe in ourselves and the country backs us we will go out and do well. “Every footballer should enjoy football. It’s our job and what we’ve always wanted to be. I enjoy every minute of the game but still have that thing in the back of your head that you want to win. “You know it’s football and it doesn’t always happen but as long as there is always another time to bounce back, that is the most important thing.
“It’s your nation and when you’re selected, it’s an honour putting on the shirt. For me it’s an honour playing for England. We as a group have to believe in our abilities. If we do that, we will see how far it takes us.
“I believe in the lads and the manager and the staff and I’m sure the nation is behind us and wants us to do well. If we believe in ourselves and our ability, we will do well in the summer.”
Lingard did not shy away from insisting England can win the World Cup – even if that has become something of a cliche. Expectations have rarely been lower; there have been too many disappointments in the past to get carried away.
Yet Lingard was not afraid to say why he believes it can be done.
He explained: “There’s a lot of quality in the team and like Gareth says, everyone brings their own attributes. If we can combine those in the perfect way then we can go far.
“But we have to be realistic, as Gareth says. Our heads have to be fully right on the World Cup. We have to prepare right to go as far as we can.
“The togetherness of the squad at the moment is really high, everyone is hungry to play and no matter how many minutes we play we can only do our best to impress the manager.”
Lingard was quoted as saying he feels “more comfortable” playing for England than for Manchester United. He was quick to set the record straight.
But his explanation relayed a new confidence which comes from being a regular for club and country.
He said: “Obviously playing regularly in the England team now I feel comfortable. The season I’ve had at United . . Jose has given me the opportunity to play week in, week out so it was up to me to deliver those performances.
“I’m playing comfortably with both United and England.”