FIFA WC: Southgate lauds Rashford for his impressive showing in England’s win over Wales
Wales' first-ever World Cup campaign in 64 years ended with a defeat as England are set to face Senegal in the round of 16 encounters.
After initially seeming to take not going to the World Cup in a jokey manner, England and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has, through a series of tweets, opened up on his disappointment of being left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Think its about time I had my say…
It goes without saying that I’m naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I’ve felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad!
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 17, 2018
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Wilshere, who made his senior Three Lions debut in 2011, then added:
And given the chance i could have made a real inpact.
However, I have to respect the manager’s decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament. I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation 🦁🦁🦁— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 17, 2018
Fans have been divided over Southgate’s contentious decision to drop Wilshere in favour of Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
For while Wilshere has had an injury-wrecked few years, he’s just enjoyed one of his best seasons till date with Arsenal.
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Initially out of Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans, the 26-year-old forced his way into the reckoning as he made 29 starts for the Gunners.
On the other hand, Loftus-Cheek has been excellent while on loan at Crystal Palace, playing a crucial role in the Eagles’ miraculous Premier League survival.
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Southgate’s selected the third-youngest England squad in history and has repeatedly insisted he’s looking not just at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but the 2020 Euros and the 2022 World Cup as well.
Perhaps his longsightedness is what made Loftus-Cheek’s case stronger, for the 22-year-old is definitely one for the future.
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England have been drawn in Group G with Belgium, Panama and Tunisia and they open their campaign on June 18 when the Three Lions take on Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena.
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