JESSE LINGARD has admitted that he was ’emotional, sad and down’ after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020.
But the Manchester United star is now focused on ‘supporting the boys’.
Lingard, 28, had been in the international wilderness during the first half of the season, hardly featuring at club level.
But his mid-season loan to West Ham rejuvenated him, with his performances up there with the very best in the Premier League.
He featured in five internationals in a row after being recalled by Southgate in March.
But he was omitted from the Three Lions’ 33-man squad for the Euros.
On receiving the news, Lingard told Sky Sports: “It was emotional. You’re sad and you’re down, but you’ve got to respect the manager’s decision.
“Me and Gareth have a great relationship, and now it’s about supporting the boys.”
Lingard turned up to a beer garden for England’s first game against Croatia wearing a Declan Rice England top.
And he adored the experience, continuing: “I love watching England – I’m a fan myself. I enjoyed going to the beer garden to watch the first game.”
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On working his way back into contention, Lingard looks back with pride, adding: “Last year, November time, I think no one thought I’d get near the team. But I worked hard, did well on loan and England came knocking.
“I enjoyed the camp in March – it’s always good to be back with the boys. I played in those games, and then coming up to the Euros, being involved in the 33-man squad was brilliant as well.
“I worked so hard to get there. I didn’t get picked, but I’ll always carry on supporting the boys.”
Lingard also opened up on his relationship with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – while stressing the importance of attaining regular first-team football.
He concluded: “Regular football is the most important thing for me.
“After going on loan and getting a good run in the team, you started to see the real me, with the goals and the assists.
“I’ve never doubted my ability, I’ve always believed in myself. I spoke to the manager (Solskjaer) in pre-season and said, ‘I need game time’. He said, ‘we can discuss it December time’, and we spoke again and he agreed to let me go on loan.
“I had various conversations with him during my time at West Ham. He was very supportive and it was a great loan for me.”
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