Troy Deeney believes England manager Gareth Southgate cannot afford to overlook Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka in his squad for this summer’s European Championships.
Wan-Bissaka is yet to be capped by the Three Lions despite becoming an indispensable member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United side.
The 23-year-old has started 27 of 29 Premier League games at right-back for the Reds in this campaign but that was not enough to force his way into the England squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers.
Wan-Bissaka’s misfortune at not being honoured at international level is largely down to the immense and unusual strength in depth England have in the right-back position.
Chelsea’s Reece James, Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold are among those battling for a starting berth at the Euros this summer.
Alexander-Arnold, recognised as one of Europe’s most talented attacking full-backs, was left out of the most recent squad after a slide in form, which highlights the competition for that role in Southgate’s squad.
Wan-Bissaka continues to impress defensively for United though his ability going forward clearly remains a concern for England.
Anyhow, Watford captain Deeney would select Wan-Bissaka over Chelsea’s James and believes he is the best defensive option the Three Lions have at their disposal.
“It’s not personal, just an opinion; I don’t think Reece James goes over Wan-Bissaka,” he told talkSPORT, as quoted by the Metro.
“I don’t think he should have been in this squad over Wan-Bissaka. He doesn’t always start for Chelsea, that’s a main (reason). But I just think Wan-Bissaka is so good defensively.
“You can say what you want about (Wan-Bissaka) with the ball, but when it comes to the nitty-gritty you’re going to need someone who will clamp down on their winger, know his role, do his job, get the ball and give it to the better players – that’s what you need in those situations.
“For me, Wan Bissaka has to be in there in the squad.
“He didn’t make it. Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t make it.
“I just think if you’re playing up against France and you want someone to take on one of their wingers, Wan-Bissaka is the man.
“He’s the best defender we have at the right-back option. It’s a real tough one because you could make arguments for everyone to be starting.”
