Southgate explains why Sancho and Greenwood missed out on England squad

Gareth Southgate says Jadon Sancho and Jesse Lingard have missed out on a place in England’s squad due to a lack of playing time at Manchester United and insists Mason Greenwood’s omission is because the forward is on a different ‘pathway’.

Sancho has found it difficult to make an impact for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side following his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and has played only a combined total of 85 minutes across United’s last five fixtures.

Lingard is also struggling to secure a place at United and is yet to start a Premier League game this season.

Greenwood, meanwhile, has been one of United’s standout performers at the start of the season with four goals in nine Premier League appearances but has been overlooked once again by Southgate for England’s upcoming fixtures against Albania and San Marino.

When asked if Greenwood had turned down a call-up, Southgate replied: ‘We haven’t discussed it this month. We met with him this month and totally understand where he is.

‘We said last month with young players their pathway and load is different.

‘He’s at a massive football club with massive expectation. He recognises that is part of making it at international football.

‘We want to get it right with young players. This happens with most players at this age. It’s very familiar path for us in youth development.’

Southgate has also backed Sancho and Lingard to be part of future England squads.

‘With Jesse and Jadon, they just aren’t playing a lot of football compared to others in their positions,’ said the England manager.

‘If you’re playing regularly for your club, you’ve got a much better chance of us assessing how you’re playing compared to the group.

‘With these two lads, they’ve got great competition for places in the position they play.

‘Both of them totally understand that, they know they’ve got to get playing for their clubs, and playing well. And then England is a bonus on the top. They have done well for us, I’m sure they will be back with us.’

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