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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Aaron Reid

Manchester United player Jesse Lingard breaks silence on England squad omission

Manchester United's Jesse Lingard has wished England well in this summer's European Championship, after failing to make Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with West Ham in the second half of the season, notching nine goals and five assists across 16 games for the Hammers.

His productive form in recent months earned him a place in Gareth Southgate's provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2020 before missing out on the final 26-man selection that was announced last week.

However, Lingard was in with a chance of being a last-minute addition to the squad after Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced to pull out with a quad injury in the win over Austria.

In the end, Southgate opted to bring Brighton defender Ben White in over Lingard but the Warrington born midfielder isn't harbouring any ill feelings.

"When it comes to being involved with the boys and representing my country I’ll never stop smiling," he said on social media. "I’ll be supporting the team all summer! Good luck to the lads! Bring it home."

Lingard played a part in both of England's friendlies against Austria and Romania, filling in for the likes of Phil Foden and Mason Mount who were involved in last month's Champions League final in Porto.

Ultimately, Lingard missed out on the chance to repeat his standout performances from the 2018 World Cup but will be cheering the Three Lions on when they get their campaign underway against Croatia this Sunday.

England and Croatia are joined in Group D by Scotland and the Czech Republic, with the winner of the group likely to face one or Germany, Portugal or France in the last 16.

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