Rio Ferdinand ordered Manchester United transfer priority, Jadon Sancho, to replicate his Borussia Dortmund levels at the European Championships.
Speaking on Vibe with Five, Ferdinand was discussing Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for this summer’s international tournament.
Sancho made the cut, having enjoyed another very strong season with Dortmund.
In 38 appearances, the 21-year-old scored 16 times and provided 20 assists.
It’s no real wonder that United have put a lot of their eggs in one basket to try prize him away from Germany.
The young attacker started England’s last friendly fixture before their Euros campaign begins.
Unfortunately, he struggled to make much of an impact against Romania and was replaced after 65 minutes.
Ferdinand asks for Dortmund Sancho
Ferdinand was desperate to see the form that made Sancho such a tantalising proposition for United transformed onto the national stage.
“This is what I want to see in an England shirt: Jadon Sancho,” said the former Red Devils defender.
“Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, when they need a moment, obviously (Erling) Haaland is on the end of things, but when they want someone to open the game up, they look at Sancho.
“I want to see that Sancho for England.
“Is it the team? Is it the shape of the team and the restrictions that’s holding him back from bringing out the same form?
“Or, is it just that he hasn’t become accustomed to international football yet?”
Southgate has capped Sancho 19 times for England, with his senior debut arriving in 2018.
He was also heavily involved in the excellent U17 Three Lions side, who were crowned World Cup champions four years ago.
So, it might be a stretch to say he isn’t accustomed to the settings of international action.
But having never played at a major competition like the Euros, with the world’s eyes fixated on you, the pressure is ramped up on Sancho to perform.
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