Stuart Pearce told talkSPORT Breakfast on Wednesday morning that he has told West Ham’s thriving star, Jesse Lingard, that there is an ‘opportunity’ for him to get back into the England squad.
The Manchester United loanee made a January switch to the London Stadium and it’s fair to say the West Ham fans have already fallen in love with him.
Lingard has previously been a part of Gareth Southgate’s set-up, but in recent years he has fallen way down the pecking order after his game time reduced significantly at Manchester United.
But a bold and smart move to West Ham during the winter window has once again brought the best out of the light-footed playmaker.
Pearce, who is part of West Ham’s backroom staff, shared that he spoke with Southgate and Lingard about the on-loan player getting back into the England picture.
“Really impressed (by Lingard), said Pearce. “He’s certainly come in and given us another dimension at the club. He’s got a great bubbly personality. He’s fitted in straight away with the boys.
“I think he needed a move away from Man United. He wasn’t playing. I think this has rekindled him and he’s really enjoying his football.
“I have had the conversation with Jesse shortly after he was here having talked with Gareth and I said ‘look there is an opportunity if your form is good. Gareth always leaves the door open for players’.
“So, for Jesse and various other players around the Premier League, that weren’t in the last squad. John Stones probably falls into that category now as well.
“They are showing good form that Gareth cannot ignore. I would be delighted if Jesse’s form, at our club, managed to get him into the international fold again. That would be brilliant.”
The problem Lingard faces is that there is some serious competition for those number 10 spots or wide playmaker roles for England.
Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, James Maddison, Phil Foden, and Lingard himself are all vying for call-ups.
But whilst England supporters would like all of those players selected, more than likely, fans will be left disappointed because the players that miss out will be talked about more than those selected.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
