Ashley Young: I want to be in England team, not just the squad
ByPA Sport
Updated 09/11/2017 at 07:58 GMT
Ashley Young's impressive rejuvenation means the full-back is on the cusp of his first England appearance in more than four years - and dreaming of the World Cup.
Manchester United's Ashley Young
Image credit: Reuters
Gareth Southgate could not fail to have been impressed by the 32-year-old's rebirth as an attack-minded full-back at Manchester United, especially as the Three Lions boss moves to a back three.
Young has been one Jose Mourinho's side's most impressive performers this term and is in line to win his first international cap since coming off the bench in a goalless draw in Ukraine in September 2013.
"I'm enjoying football," Young said. "As a footballer you want to play week in, week out."
"I'd prefer it if I was playing further up the pitch, but I've been able to adapt and play as a left-back or a right-back and as a wing-back.
"I've been enjoying football, playing well. Every time I put on the shirt I feel like I've played well and that I deserve the call-up."
Young believes his "football brain" has helped his transition further back and his versatility has caught the eye of Southgate.
"The manager did say about versatility," said Young, who missed a penalty in the Euro 2012 quarter-final exit to Italy - his only major tournament experience.
"As a footballer nowadays you have to be able to adapt and play in different positions, different formations, different systems. It's just whether you can adapt to that.
"The manager is talking about a 3-4-3 or wing-backs or 3-5-2 and I feel like I can step into that role.
"I've shown I am deserving to be in the England squad but I don't just want a place in the squad, I want to be in the team.
"I'm one of those players who wants to play every game and the World Cup is a long way away - but at the back of my mind I think every English player wants to go to the World Cup."
Young watched the last World Cup on holiday in Dubai, but can underline his credentials for the next one in the friendlies against Germany and Brazil.
"It was disappointing not to be involved," he said. "When you have the chance to represent your country it's an honour.
"For me, always an honour to pull on an England shirt. That's why I will never retire until my legs tell me they can't run any more.
"We qualified in the right manner, two big friendlies coming up against two of the top teams in world football and you want to test yourself against the best.
"You have to go to tournaments to beat the best and I think this will give us a marker about how far and how well we can do."
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