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‘I Don’t Think It’s A Lack Of Respect’_Jose Mourinho Feels Sorry For Chris Smalling Over Likely England World Cup Snub

Roma boss Jose Mourinho backed his defender Chris Smalling to be included in England’s squad for the World Cup.

Former  Chelsea Man Utd and Tottenham coach admits he ‘feels sorry’ for the Smalling for constantly being overlooked by Gareth Southgate.

Smalling has not played for England since 2017 and has failed to make Southgate’s final squad for the last two major tournaments.

Southgate is likely to be forced into a defensive rethink ahead of England’s World Cup campaign

in Qatar as both Kyle Walker and Reece James are major doubts to be fully fit for the tournament.

Smalling has not played for England since 2017

But Smalling’s chances of making England’s squad look slim as he was not called up for the international break in September.

However, Mourinho has been impressed with Smalling’s performances for Roma and believes the 32-year-old ‘deserves’ more chances under Southgate.

 

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Mourinho:

‘He was taught to play in a two-man defence in Manchester, but now he’s got the perfect acumen to play in a three-man backline,l.’

‘If I were the coach of a national team, I would do anything to have someone like him at my disposal.

‘I don’t think it’s a lack of respect to Gareth Southgate when I say that I feel very sorry for a

player who’s playing at such a high level like Smalling and who won’t get the opportunity he deserves.’

 

Manchester United defender, Chris Smalling has returned to Man Utd following the expiration of his loan deal at Italian side, AS Roma.

However, he said he was ‘gutted’ that he cannot finish the season with Roma after he was left out of their away squad to tackle Sevilla in the Europa League fixture on Thursday in Spain.

 

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Smalling made this known in a post via his official Instagram handle on Tuesday which reads;

“I am gutted that I cannot finish what we started this season,”

“To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten.

“I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA!”

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