It is right. It’s 2021, a pandemic is going on and Jesse Lingard is still playing in battle for the England squad ahead of a major tournament.
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And yes, he should definitely be there. Like, he deserves a first-class window seat at the planning levels “he needs to be there”.
A January loan to West Ham has always felt like a decent deal for everyone involved, but Lingard has still managed to exceed expectations completely since moving to East London. In nine Premier League games for the Hammers, Lingard has scored eight goals and three assists, reminding everyone of how good he is when he is at full speed.
Who else?! ⚒️
Jesse Lingard is burning! ? He puts West Ham ahead with a smart finish.
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– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 11, 2021
An England recall for Euro 2020 may seem quite reactionary and far-fetched given the talent on offer in attacking Gareth Southgate, but it certainly is not. Lingard can play an important role in the squad once again for the Three Lions and has earned his right to a call.
The 28-year-old’s return has begun at the parent club Manchester United, and many suggest that they take him back next week next season. It is still the wrong decision and a permanent move is best for all parties involved, but it is not to lower the level of Lingard.
When he entered his first years, Lingard is a huge confidence player and clearly thrives when he gets extended runs in the side, which is why it coincided for him in Manchester when he had to try to influence from a bit role, the same bit role would he would resume play if he returned to Old Trafford.
When you can get the best out of him, however, you get a talented football player. And just because he’s not needed in a constantly improving United does not mean he does not have a seriously high caliber. Lingard goes into most of the sides that challenge for the top four, if not all, and has undoubtedly been the key to West Ham’s surprising pressure for Champions League football.
Lingard flourishes as the principal of Hammarna | Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
While Lingard is once again in the shape of his life, setting up the band with his new West Ham colleagues, his direct competitors are fighting. Jack Grealish has, rather sadly, been plagued by an injury that continues to see him sit on the sidelines, giving Southgate all the more reason not to even bother to remember his name, but to choose him for the squad.
However, James Maddison has completely fallen off the pace. The 24-year-old had a lot to do to find a place in the squad before Grealish, Lingard and Phil Foden anyway, but has struggled to maintain the required levels. The injury has again been unpleasant, but while Lingard is picking up goals for fun, the Leicester striker is punished for violating the COVID-19 rules while he was injured.
In a tournament scenario where the squad must have each other’s backs through thick and thin and play for each other – while representing the nation – putting someone like Maddison in the squad before Lingard is a risk that Southgate simply does not have to take. He has been huge for Leicester this season with his eight goals and seven assists in the league so far, but still has some maturity to do before he can rely on putting a shift out of position or getting connected when the country needs him most.
Maddison is not yet ready for the role with England’s Michael Regan / Getty Images
Lingard was a key cog in the machine during England’s drive to the World Cup 2018 semi-finals. He presented six times and collected three goal contributions in the process, while walking a full 120 minutes on two occasions. Not only is he a versatile and reliable member of the squad with obvious qualities, but also a familiar face. Colleagues clearly like his presence and the key to Southgate’s England setup feels so promising is the unit he has managed to create, from players to fans.
This is not to say that people like Maddison and Grealish cannot achieve the same levels. But given that we are barely two months away from a major tournament and the pair are fighting for fitness and still addressing disciplinary issues, it is obvious that Lingard is the trusted player that Southgate must choose in the squad.
His form for West Ham can not be ignored and has entered the tournament. Having that player caliber in the squad while it seems to be at full speed is a huge boost for the Three Lions.
