England faced Nigeria at Wembley in preparation for the World Cup in Russia this summer and three Manchester United superstars took to the field. Find out how they fared and if they’ve done enough to secure a starting place at this year’s tournament.
Gareth Southgate named four Manchester United players in his England squad for the World Cup in Russia. Defenders Ashley Young and Phil Jones were also joined by best mates Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford when they met up at St. George’s Park this week.
The starting XI against Nigeria would give England fans a clearer indication as to what side Southgate will name in the first match of the tournament. With the match against Tunisia just nine days away, fans are eager to know whether any of the Manchester United players could feature for their country.
Which Manchester United players started against Nigeria?
Phil Jones was allowed to spend time away from the England set-up over the weekend as his wife was expecting the birth of their baby girl. Baby Alaria was born yesterday and now Father Jones has now returned to the England camp.
Two of the three remaining United players started the match against Nigeria in Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard. Marcus Rashford was on the bench.
Young started the match as a wing-back with Southgate employing a back three. Jesse Lingard was one of three central midfielders to support Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, alongside Eric Dier and Dele Alli.
Marcus Rashford entered proceedings in place of Raheem Sterling. He played alongside another Manchester-born substitute in Danny Welbeck.
England secured a positive 2-1 victory over Nigeria
Out of the four Manchester United players who featured for England, Young was the best performer. He showed his attacking capabilities ion the first half linking well with the midfield and Raheem Sterling down the left channel. The 32-year old also demonstrated he still has the legs to keep up with his teammates after he was bombing up and down the left flank.
Lingard, as usual, was a willing runner in the first half. He drifted into pockets of space in between the lines but didn’t receive a great deal of the ball. When he did, the understanding and fluency, he, Sterling and Alli showed during the first half was a promising site for England fans.
Marcus Rashford is facing an uphill battle it seems to start at this summers World Cup. The striker came off the bench in the 72nd minute. However, the game was in a lull when he entered the pitch so it was always going to be tough to stake his claim.
Who’s got the best chance of starting at the World Cup?
At this moment in time, it has to be Jesse Lingard. Ashley Young has fierce competition in the left wing-back position with Danny Rose. And, Marcus Rashford has struggled for form this season, contrary to nailed on starters, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
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Jesse Lingard has always been a favourite of Gareth Southgate’s. Right from when he nurtured him through under-21 level, to handing him his first England cap. But, Lingard has repaid Southgate for the faith shown in him. Whether from the start or not, Lingard has played some of his best football of recent times for England.
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