Stuart Pearce admitted he was disappointed to see Jesse Lingard left out of the final England squad for Euro 2020.
The midfielder starred on loan with West Ham after joining in January from Manchester United, scoring nine Premier League goals in 16 games.
He forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans and was perhaps a little unfortunate not to make the 26-man squad.
Lingard will be part of the friendlies ahead of the tournament though, and is likely to start against Austria tonight – with commentary of the game live on talkSPORT.
Pearce, who is first-team coach at the Hammers, would have omitted one of the four right-backs in the squad to find space for the 28-year-old.
“We’re really disappointed (he’s not in the Euro 2020 squad). I’m delighted he’s with the squad and might be playing this evening, which will be fantastic and will be another opportunity for him to say ‘Gareth, if you need me I’m here’,” Pearce told talkSPORT Breakfast.
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“It shows a fair bit about the character of the boys who want to be there.
“I don’t think he could have done any more, baring in mind he came from the outside. At Christmas time, nobody was talking about Jesse being involved in the England squad this summer.
“Credit to him, his performances for West Ham have been outstanding and that’s what’s got him in the squad in March and got him in the long squad.
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“If they have an injury anywhere in the squad over the next couple of games, which we hope won’t happen, he’ll be the first name to come in to supplement what we’ve got.
“I personally would have found a place for him at the cost of one of the right-backs.
“I’ve worked with him first hand and he’s in outstanding form. He can turn a game for you and I know what he’s like around the group.”
When put on the spot about who should have been left out, Pearce said: “Kyle Walker would be my number one choice, he’s been very good and he can play your right-sided centre-half.
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“He’s my number one pick. The fact Trippier can play left-back may edge him ahead of Reece James and Trent (Alexander-Arnold).
‘Then you’re on Reece James and Trent. Toss of a coin, to be honest. Reece James, since Christmas, has been slightly better than Trent, even though he’s had a resurgence at the back of this year.
“The question I’d probably ask myself is how many of these so-called right-backs, Gareth has tagged them as good players, how many will play in the tournament?
“The fact he’s extended it to 26, you’ve got a couple of wildcard picks and one of those is Jordan Henderson. I’m delighted to see him part of the squad because of his character and what he stands for.
“Between Reece James and Trent, I would have lost one of those to incorporate Jesse Lingard.”
talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live commentary of EVERY game of Euro 2020. You won’t miss a thing as we bring you round the clock coverage, reaction and analysis from June 11-July 11. Listen online HERE.
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