‘I have nothing to prove to him’: Manchester United star Chris Smalling takes dig at England boss Gareth Southgate
The centre-back was left out of England’s friendlies against Brazil and Germany despite a spate of injuries in Southgate’s squad, but is hopeful of forcing his way into World Cup plans
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling said he has nothing to prove to England manager Gareth Southgate after being dropped by the national team and having his ability publicly questioned.
Smalling was overlooked for England’s recent friendly games against Germany and Brazil, with Southgate picking younger players and saying he wanted his team to move toward a style of “using the ball from the back and building up in a certain way”.
“Was I surprised? Yes, I was,” Smalling said of his omission, speaking at United’s news conference ahead of their Champions League game against Basel.
“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.”
Smalling, who has played 31 games for England, started the season behind Phil Jones and Eric Bailly, and has played more in the Premier League only in recent weeks because of injuries.