Roma manager José Mourinho has spoken out about Chris Smalling’s position within the England setup, insisting he deserves a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
As reported in The Metro, Mourinho said he “feels sorry” for Smalling, who is highly unlikely to earn a place in Southgate’s squad, despite his excellent form at the club.
The former United manager and player have struck up a good relationship in Rome, with Smalling impressing at the heart of Mourinho’s defence.
Mourinho believes that Smalling would fit perfectly into the current system deployed by Southgate, as he possesses the ability to play with a single central defender partner or as part of a three-man defence.
“He was taught to play a two-man defense in Manchester, but now he has the perfect acumen to play a three-man backline,” he said.
“If I were the manager of a national team, I would do anything to have someone like him at my disposal,” Mourinho added.
The Portuguese coach added that he feels the level Smalling currently operates at is high enough to work his way up in the international setup.
“I feel very sorry for a player who is playing at such a high level as Smalling and who will not get the chance he deserves.” he said.
Smalling has not featured for England since being omitted from Southgate’s squad in 2017.
England are not currently blessed with a plethora of central defense options; The lack of playing time at club level for regular starters adds further credence to Mourinho’s claims.
The irony is that Smalling’s replacement at Manchester United, Harry Maguire, is one of those mentioned, clinging to a starting job for his country despite poor form and fitness.
Southgate is expected to stick with the players who have served him well in the last two tournaments, in which Smalling did not participate.
However, the 32-year-old’s form is undisputed and he may rightly feel aggrieved that his name is not on the list for a seat on the plane to Qatar.
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