Manchester United's Chris Smalling questions Gareth Southgate's judgement after England squad snub

Smalling offered a combative defence of his qualities ahead of United's Champions League tie
AFP/Getty Images
James Benge22 November 2017

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has questioned Gareth Southgate’s judgement after the England manager left him out of the latest Three Lions squad.

Smalling was left out of the party to play friendlies against Germany and Brazil because Southgate wanted defenders who were comfortable “using the ball from the back and building it up in a certain way.”

Those defenders included Smalling’s Manchester United team-mate Phil Jones and Leicester’s Harry Maguire, the latter of whom put in two impressive displays as England kept clean sheets against the two favourites for next summer’s World Cup.

It leaves Smalling facing quite a battle to earn a spot in Southgate’s 23-man group for next summer’s tournament, but a surprised Smalling is convinced that if he continues to perform at the same level he will be on the plane to Russia next summer.

He told reporters ahead of United's Champions League tie against Basel: “Was I surprised? Yes, I was.

“But you don't play for one of the biggest clubs in the world for as long as I have and probably won the most trophies bar the Champions League without being able to do everything a top defender needs to do, be it playing or defending.

“I don't really feel like I need to prove anything to Gareth. Like I said, I play for one of the most successful managers in Jose [Mourinho] and he's only going to pick the best players.

“While I'm playing regularly and he's happy, I think, if my season carries on like this and we have a successful season and our team continues to concede very few goals, then I think it gives him maybe no choice in the summer but to pick me.”

Having been left among the substitutes for the first five league games of the season Smalling has been an ever present in the last six, in addition to playing every minute of United’s Champions League campaign.

Indeed in his 14 appearances in all competitions United have conceded just eight goals, with their Premier League defence the most parsimonious in the top flight.

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“This year, as a team, we've got the best defensive record and we have done for the last few years and I'm very proud to be part of that,” Smalling said. “While I'm playing under Jose and he's happy and I'm playing regularly, then I'm happy with that.

“I play for one of the biggest clubs and under one of the most successful managers in Jose and as long as that's the case, I think, ultimately, it's your club form that decides whether you play at a World Cup because there aren't many England games throughout the season.

“While I'm playing regularly here and part of a very successful team I think that should show come the summer. I think I can use every game that I play for United, whatever cup it is. With United there is always spotlight on it and there's always going to be that pressure, no matter what the game is. Whether it's the Premier League or the Champions League, I think I can showcase my abilities.”

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