Southampton: Ryan Bertrand comments on England snub

Ahead of next week’s World Cup tournament in Russia, Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand has spoken out about not making the final cut for England.

The Saints full-back’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s squad was a controversial move, as the 28-year-old featured in over half of England’s qualifying games en route to World Cup qualification.

However in the end the Three Lions’ boss chose Danny Rose and Ashley Young as the natural left-sided wing-backs for his 23-man squad, whilst Fabian Delph can also occupy that spot if needed.

The latter two however are not natural full-backs, having both converted in the last season or so – Danny Rose on the other hand is, but has also only featured 17 times this campaign.

Whilst Southampton may of struggled for Premier League survival for much of the year, Bertrand has been near ever-present for his side at left-back.

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As a result it’s natural for Bertrand to feel aggrieved, and he has since spoken out about being snubbed by Southgate ahead of his first World Cup as manager:

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"“I played wing-back in a five at the end of the season, which is how England play. I also played in a central three for Southampton with Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte, and we went on Southampton’s record clean-sheet run, six on the bounce.“I played left midfield in a Champions League final for Chelsea. It is perhaps an oversight in the manager’s analysis and I find that hard to take.”"

Bertrand’s omission from the squad could have bigger ramifications than it may seem however, with it being speculated that the England international may be looking to move on this summer.

If playing 40 games for a side threatened by relegation holds less weight that playing half that for a top-six side, Bertrand may be keen to find himself a club that can get him back on Gareth Southgate’s radar, especially as he’ll be nearly 31 by the time the next major international tournament rolls around in 2020.

The Southampton left-back has been consistently linked with some of England’s top sides over the past two years or so, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool among those reportedly keen on the 28-year-old.