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Despite missed chances, Jesse Lingard deserves to keep his place in England side against Panama

By Ollie Slack

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England won their first opening match at a major tournament since 2006 when they beat Tunisia 2-1. However, it could have been by much more and Jesse Lingard was a major culprit. But here’s why the United star should keep his place.

England started the match superbly. Thier bright attacking play was enabled through some intricately organised defending.

When Tunisia was in possession deep in their own half, England got into a high defensive block. Then when the Tunisian centre-halves played the ball forward into their frontmen, England pounced like a pack of hyenas.

From front to back front England hurried Tunisia until they won back possession. When they did, the pace and agility of the attacking players nearby meant they could break away quickly.

Two players pivotal for this transition were the two attacking midfielders either side of Jordan Henderson, who sat in a deep-lying central midfield position. Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard.

Unfortunately for Dele, he picked up an injury during that blistering first half and is likely to miss tomorrow’s game. Therefore the impetus now on Lingard to break away with speed and harness that transition from defence to attack is even more crucial.

Lingard showed signs of his previous self

Prior to last season, Lingard’s weakest area of his game was his composure in the final third. The forward could never nail down a regular spot in the starting XI as he was too inconsistent.

But last season the academy graduate found his shooting boots as he netted 13 times in all competitions, registering seven assists also. Lingard seemed to have mastered the art in front of goal or was it just a purple patch? Last Monday’s events would suggest the latter.
But last season the academy graduate found his shooting boots as he netted 13 times in all competitions, registering seven assists also. Lingard seemed to have mastered the art in front of goal or was it just a purple patch? Last Monday’s events would suggest the latter. /

Lingard missed four chances against Tunisia in the first half, only one of which he managed to get on target. One he should have scored. Hopefully, this won’t damage his confidence as his role in the team should no way be in question.

Why Lingard’s role is so important

Harry Kane is a world class striker. One attribute he doesn’t possess is a great deal of pace. However, with the right players around him, Tottenham have shown that it’s not a necessity.

With players such as Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Marcus Rashford surrounding the striker, the pressure to run in behind the defence is less for Kane. He can focus on holding up the ball, laying it off to them and making sure he arrives into the box in the correct position.

Not all of those pacey prospects listed above can claim to be better off the ball than Lingard. Dele, Sterling and Rashford are much more comfortable with the ball at their feet running at defences. But Lingard loves the selfless task of running in behind.
Not all of those pacey prospects listed above can claim to be better off the ball than Lingard. Dele, Sterling and Rashford are much more comfortable with the ball at their feet running at defences. But Lingard loves the selfless task of running in behind. /

By stretching the back line, he creates space for the others to dance on the ball. It also allows him, given someone picks him out, an opportunity the majority of the time to be bearing down on goal. As well as is energy running in behind, his energy to track back and follow defensive instruction has been a massive plus for this England team.

Gareth Southgate has shown a lot of faith in Lingard, faith which should be continued on Sunday

The England manager Gareth Southgate brought Lingard into the England set-up because of the reasons above. He offers an intelligence that very few English players have yet to demonstrate at the top level.
The England manager Gareth Southgate brought Lingard into the England set-up because of the reasons above. He offers an intelligence that very few English players have yet to demonstrate at the top level. /

Lingard has improved immensely this season, his finishing, composure and link-up play most noticeably. When played sporadically in 2016/17 we saw flashes of this ability. But it’s the constant run of games he has played over the past 10 months both under Jose Mourinho and Gareth Southgate which has brought his qualities to the limelight.

Next: Where does Lingard rank in Manchester United's World Cup player rankings? - FIND OUT HERE!

The current England manager handed Lingard his debut and in 19 of Southgate’s games in charge, the United youngster has featured in 13 of them. Southgate has shown a lot of faith in Lingard, I fully expect that faith to be shown again come Sunday lunchtime against Panama.

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