GARETH SOUTHGATE has apologised to Chris Smalling for his public England rejection – and opened the door to a stunning recall ahead of Euro 2020.
Manchester United defender Smalling, who has impressed on loan at Roma this season, was hurt by Southgate’s decision to axe him from the England squad in November 2017.
Chris Smalling has received a public apology from Gareth Southgate over his England snubCredit: Getty Images
The Three Lions boss has hinted at a possible return for the on-loan Roma defender at the EurosCredit: Getty Images
Southgate suggested that Smalling’s limitations in playing out from the back meant he was not suited to his Three Lions blueprint.
But the England boss now admits he was “unfair” on Smalling and paved the way for a potential way back into the fold.
Southgate said: “I’ve never ruled anybody out. I think that would be wrong.
“I think I said I probably regretted the way the message came across if, by praising others for certain attributes, there was criticism for Chris. It was my fault and it was unfair on him.”
The England chief suggested that Smalling had fallen behind the likes of Harry Maguire, John Stones and Eric Dier in the pecking order because that trio could “do it better” than him.
Smalling has not been in the England frame since missing out of the 2018 World Cup semi-final run.
But with Stones and Everton’s Michael Keane enduring torrid times, the 30-year-old is very much back in the England reckoning.
Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland flew out to Italy to watch Smalling in action before Christmas.
The England boss added: “I spoke to him when I left him out the squad and explained what I explained to everybody.
“Of course because of the way it came out, there was little point – I wasn’t going to say anything that hadn’t already been said.
“But I think he’s done well in Italy. He’s playing at another big club.
“He was obviously playing at a big club before. We’re watching everybody because we’ve got to make sure we make the right decision.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
