Monday 16 November 2015 12:55, UK
Tony Cottee says he is surprised that Manchester United youngster Jesse Lingard has been called into the England squad ahead of Tuesday's friendly against France at Wembley.
The 22-year-old was called up by manager Roy Hodgson on Sunday, following the news that Michael Carrick and Jamie Vardy will be unavailable.
However, former England man Cottee thinks the decision is a mistake and would rather Hodgson had opted for one of the other promising England-qualified wingers who are impressing in the top flight.
Lingard has just broken into the Manchester United first-team and has played just 169 minutes of Premier League football this season, with one goal and two chances created.
In contrast, the likes of Leicester's Marc Albrighton (911 minutes, one goal, 22 chances created), Norwich's Nathan Redmond (765 minutes, four goals, 24 chances created) and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha (747 minutes, one goal, 14 chances created), have been key performers for their clubs since the start of the season.
Asked on Sky Sports News HQ if he backed the Lingard selection, Cottee said: "I must admit I was surprised.
"He is a promising young player, he has been out on loan with quite a few clubs, and he has got into the United team for the last couple of games.
"But he has only played 169 minutes this year. If I was Wilfried Zaha or particularly Marc Albrighton, who has been outstanding for Leicester, I would be saying, 'What have I got to do to get in this England squad?'
It should be based on performances on the pitch and what you are achieving for your club, it does not matter which team you play for.
"You would not like to think it is the fact that he plays for Manchester United that means he gets preference over a player like Wilfried, like Marc, who play for so-called lesser clubs.
"It should be based on performances on the pitch and what you are achieving for your club, it does not matter which team you play for.
"If you are doing the business, you should get promoted to the England squad.
"I just think it is not the right decision. I am all for youngsters but I would rather see him go and play 90 minutes in the U21s than go and sit on the bench, maybe come on for a cap. He might end up a one-cap wonder.
"I would like to have seen one of the other guys given a chance. What about Jason Puncheon, Scott Dann at Crystal Palace?
"Players that are in-form, doing really well for their clubs, [are] not getting chosen."
One youngster Cottee does want to see feature against France is goalkeeper Jack Butland.
"Why play Joe Hart? We know what he can do," he said. "There is a young lad called Jack Butland at Stoke who is having a fantastic season. Let him get involved.
"If Joe Hart gets sent off at the Euros, we need a goalkeeper with a bit of experience."
