Aaron Cresswell has told West Ham United’s official website that he believes he is playing at his best level since the defender earned his maiden England call up under Gareth Southgate.
The 31-year-old last represented the Three Lions in 2017 after an impressive run of form in east London. Making what remains his only start in a World Cup qualifier away to Lithuania.
Southgate had only handed Creswell a mere 19-minutes of game time during the West Ham star’s prior two England caps. Both outings also came in friendlies against Spain and France.
Cresswell’s England debut in November 2016 was also the West Ham full-back’s first game for his country at any level. He had never featured for the Three Lions at any youth level.
The £50k-a-week defender has not featured since 2017, either, as Southgate has omitted Cresswell from all of his subsequent squads. But the Liverpool-native does not concentrate on when – or if – the phone will ring again, even if he feels he is at the top of his game again.
“I could arguably say I’m at the top of my form, as I was four or five-years ago when I played for England, and it was an unbelievable experience,” Cresswell said.
“But now my main focus is West Ham. With the amount of games we’ve got, I can’t think about anything else.
“It’s nice when you pick up a ‘paper and read some bits and bobs and nice stuff [is] being written. But I don’t really concentrate on it.”
Should Southgate recall West Ham star Cresswell to England squad?
Cresswell has only assisted one and scored one Premier League goal so far this term, having started all 11 of West Ham’s fixtures. But has mostly offered a solid defensive presence.
He was a creative force at the London Stadium last season with eight assists in 36 top-flight games. Cresswell had never offered more during his six previous Premier League campaigns.
Yet Southgate continues to overlook Cresswell for England, despite his excellence for West Ham. With the Three Lions boss recently favouring Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell instead.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
