Smalling: I’ve nothing to prove to Southgate

Chris Smalling was surprised to be dropped by England and have his ability publicly questioned by manager Gareth Southgate – but the Manchester United defender does not believe he has anything to prove.

The Three Lions’ World Cup preparations kicked off with back-to-back glamour friendlies at home to Germany and Brazil.

Southgate plumped for a surprisingly inexperienced squad, preferring the likes of uncapped Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Joe Gomez and Tammy Abraham ahead of established names such as Smalling.

The defender, capped 31 times, has impressed for United this season, but Southgate overlooked him as England are moving towards “using the ball from the back”.

Those comments compounded Smalling’s omission and clearly grated on the centre back.

“Was I surprised? Yes,” he said. “But you don’t play for one of the biggest clubs in the world for as long as I have and probably won the most trophies bar the Champions League without being able to do everything a top defender needs to do, be it playing or defending.

“This year we’ve got one of the best defensive records and we have done for the last few years and I’m proud to be part of that.

“While I’m playing under Jose Mourinho and I’m playing regularly, then I’m happy with that.”

Smalling, speaking ahead of United’s Champions League tie in Basle, did not hold back when asked about the decision, adding: “I play for one of the biggest clubs and under one of the most successful managers. I don’t feel like I need to prove anything.”

Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned for United on Saturday against Newcastle, is likely to again be on the bench against Basle in a match where a point will confirm their place as Group A winners.

United’s progress would be confirmed before kickoff if CSKA Moscow do not win at home to Benfica in the early match.

Chris Smalling: Happy with his performances