Jesse Lingard is not panicking about his limited playing time at Manchester United and insists he can still make the World Cup squad as the club’s player.
Gareth Southgate has always been a huge admirer of Lingard but omitted him from his European Championship plans at the last minute. The midfielder only started playing regularly last season after he joined West Ham on loan in January and things would have been different had he played a full campaign.
West Ham failed to permanently sign Lingard last summer and since his return to Old Trafford, opportunities have been limited. His sole start was against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, with five additional substitute appearances.
With Southgate having made it clear that to be in the England team, no matter how highly individuals are regarded, players need regular starts, Lingard has taken the message on board but insists there is no need to consider a move, with the World Cup still 13 months away.
“The World Cup is a long way away but you need regular football”. Lingard said.
“I was so close to going to the Euros — it’s a big factor. If you’re playing over 20, 25 games, you’re knocking on the door. I think it plays a big part in that”.
“I’m not doing any harm at the moment if I keep performing well. You never know what might happen, I keep confident in myself and when I get time on the pitch, I’ve got to carry on doing what I’m doing”.
“Of course, I want to be playing and helping the team but I’ve not done any harm (to my England chances). With whatever minutes I get, I do my best. That’s the only thing I’m concentrating on”.