Gareth Southgate believes Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are among the England stars ‘slightly ahead’ of Jadon Sancho, despite the Manchester United star’s form.
The Three Lions boss defended his decision to omit Sancho from his squad for this month’s friendlies with Switzerland and the Ivory Coast during a press conference on Thursday. The Red Devils forward has impressed over recent weeks, but remains down the pecking order.
Sancho has rarely represented his country since moving to Old Trafford in a £73m transfer from Borussia Dortmund last July. After a seldom-used run through Euro 2020, he fell out of Southgate’s plans in September and November, while playing one of two October ties.
Meanwhile, Saka and Smith Rowe have reinforced their positions in Southgate’s England and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sides. The former has not missed a Three Lions squad since the March 2021 international break. While the latter made an impressive debut in November.
Southgate awarded Smith Rowe his England bow at home to Albania before starting the Arsenal product against San Marino. The 21-year-old marked the World Cup qualifier with a goal and an assist, as well. While Saka has scored four and assisted four in 14-caps so far.
Southgate claims Arsenal duo Saka and Smith Rowe ‘slightly ahead’ of Sancho
Sancho may have felt he stood a shot at being recalled this March, having hit a strong vein of form. The Manchester United forward has scored twice and offered three assists over his last six Premier League appearances. He had only scored one across his previous 18.
But Southgate opted to keep Saka and Smith Rowe in his England side, partly at Sancho’s expense. The Three Lions boss admits the Red Devils star has shone of late, but remains slightly behind the heavy competition the 21-year-old faces for a place on England’s wings.
“The other attacking players in the squad are slightly ahead of him at the moment, in our feeling,” Southgate said. “You can see the names; Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Jack Grealish. If you look at the seasons they’ve had.
“Jadon, without a doubt, over the last few weeks his performances have improved with Manchester United. But it is an area of the field where we’ve got really big competition for places. And at the moment, we’ve got those guys slightly ahead.”
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