Former Manchester United centre-back Wes Brown has suggested that Jadon Sancho should be included in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar – if he can continue his good form so far this season.
Sancho has made an impressive start to the new season under Erik ten Hag, rediscovering the form that convinced the Reds to sign the winger last year. The England international has registered three goals in eight appearances so far this term, but was left out of the latest Three Lions squad for the Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
The 22-year-old, who featured frequently during the early part of Southgate’s reign as manager, has made 23 appearances for his country, recording 10 goal contributions. However, he has not played for England since registering two assists in a 5-0 win over Andorra in a World Cup qualifier last October.
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A number of former players and pundits have criticised the decision to omit Sancho from the Three Lions squad, with ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand insisting that he should have been included, and should be on the plane to Qatar.
Now, Brown has suggested that the former Borussia Dortmund man would be disappointed to not be selected - but backed him to make it difficult for Southgate to leave him out.
The former Reds centre-back, speaking on behalf of 888sport, said: "If Sancho is playing well then I don’t see why he shouldn’t go to Qatar. He’s got the skill and ability and is playing well for us.
"He’ll be disappointed not to be in this squad but if he carries on playing like he is it will be hard for the manager not to take him, especially if he’s scoring and assisting as well.
"But there are many players for these positions and ultimately it’s down to the manager and staff to pick them. All he can do is keep on playing well."
Brown, who made 362 appearances for United, also stated that Harry Maguire needs to 'stay strong' at Old Trafford and be ready for when Ten Hag needs him.
Maguire has featured on just five occasions for the Reds so far this term, starting in three matches. The 29-year-old has been forced to settle for a place among the substitutes with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane forming a solid partnership in the past month.
"100% Harry has a future. He had a difficult season last year, like so many others did. Obviously by being captain he was picked out a lot but it was the whole team. Sometimes other players weren’t doing their jobs or covering and that opened up spaces somewhere else," Brown added.
"He’ll be able to take that criticism and I’m pretty sure he’s strong-minded. When he gets that next opportunity to start all he can do is his best, to keep working hard and not let his head go down.
"Harry Maguire is a good player but he’s had a lot of stick and at the moment he’s out of favour. But anything could happen and the team and manager might need him. He needs to be ready when that happens."
Sancho is likely to feature for United in their first match back after the international break, with Ten Hag's side coming up against rivals Manchester City on October 2. Meanwhile, Maguire is set to remain on the bench for the crucial clash.
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