England boss Gareth Southgate has recalled West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard to the squad for this month’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Lingard played a big part in England’s World Cup run in 2018, but hasn’t played for the national side since then.
This was due to a struggle to find first team football at his parent club Manchester United.
However, since joining the Hammers on loan in January, Lingard’s form has been rejuvenated. The midfielder has scored four goals in six Premier League games whilst wearing claret and blue.
West Ham were quick to congratulate both Lingard and team mate Declan Rice for their inclusion in the squad:
????????????@JesseLingard and @_DeclanRice have both been included in @England's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers
Well done, lads! ????????????????????????????????
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 18, 2021
Southgate also called up former Brentford striker, Ollie Watkins, and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, for the first time in their careers.
Watkins has been in impressive form this season with new club Aston Villa, scoring 12 goals.
England take on San Marino at Wembley on March 25. It’s the first of three World Cup qualifiers that will take place during that week.
The Three Lions go to Albania on March 28 and then play Poland at Wembley on March 31.
The squad is also notable for being Southgate’s last selection before his final squad is announced for the European Championships this summer.
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Nick Pope (Burnley).
Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jesse Lingard (West Ham, on loan from Manchester United), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton).
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
