Jesse Lingard is emerging as one of England’s key players in Russia
The Manchester United forward scored the third goal against Panama – comfortably the best of the game – and is clearly valued by Gareth Southgate.
Paul Scholes is another man who thinks highly of Lingard. The Manchester United legend was well aware of the Warrington-born player’s abilities as he came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, and discussed his relatively late development on Robbie Savage’s World Cup Breakfast for 5Live.
"The quirky celebrations, his almost child-like enthusiasm, are merely his way of expressing that he bloody well loves the position in which he finds himself." | @SmnLlyd5 on Jesse Lingard https://t.co/LtIWqHyFBt
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 26, 2018
“I worked a lot with Jesse,” Scholes said. “You’re right. He was a late developer and the coaches had to realise that.”
Discussing his rise to prominence with the national side, Scholes also suggested that Gareth Southgate placing more trust in his abilities than United manager Jose Mourinho may be a factor in this.
“His form for England has been fantastic,” Scholes continued. “Possibly, the manager for England has a little bit more belief in him than his club manager.
“It always seems when things aren’t going well for Man United he’s the first man taken off. But with England, Gareth really believes in him and gives him confidence… He’s really flourishing and thriving in that kind of atmosphere.”
"Possibly, the manager for #ENG has a little bit more belief in him than his club manager"
Paul Scholes says Gareth Southgate has allowed @JesseLingard to thrive👇#bbcworldcup pic.twitter.com/E6Gzch3NDz
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) June 27, 2018
Despite Scholes’ comments, it’s worth noting that Lingard scored 13 times for United over the last season, comfortably his best return in a United shirt. Under Mourinho, he’s been a regular starter for the club.
As for England, with qualification for the last 16 stage already secured, they will play their final group game of the World Cup against Belgium on Thursday to decide who will finish top. Although its known their opponents in the first knockout stages will come from Group H, it’s still unclear who it will be. Other than Poland, who have already been eliminated, Colombia, Senegal and Japan are all in with a chance of qualifying.
