West Ham coach says Jesse Lingard deserved Euro 2020 place over duo

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West Ham coach Stuart Pearce has told TalkSPORT that Jesse Lingard should have made England’s Euro 2020 squad named by Gareth Southgate.

In an exclusive interview with the radio station, he’s also named the two players who he should have been selected over.

Lingard was a surprise omission when the England boss named his squad. The West Ham star was expected to get the nod after a stunning loan spell.

The 28-year-old scored nine goals and claimed eight assists as the Hammers secured a Europa League place.

Pearce sees the player in action each day and he’s suggested he’s surprised he hasn’t made it.

He told TalkSPORT: “We’re really disappointed.

“Credit to him, his performances for West Ham have been outstanding and that’s what got him into the squad in March.

“I’ve worked with him and he’s in outstanding form. He can turn a game and he’s great around the group.

“Between Reece James and Trent (Alexander-Arnold), I would have lost one of those to incorporate Jesse Lingard.”

Time will tell if Southgate regrets Lingard call

It is a bold call to take no fewer than four right-backs.

Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, James and Alexander-Arnold have all made the squad – and that is somewhat bizarre.

England do have some exciting attacking options. It’s fair to say Lingard deserved a place though.

He has been in scintillating form and does have the ability to change games.

Lingard might have proved a useful option when chasing a game but Southgate has now made his picks.

Interestingly, the player missing out could help West Ham land him permanently.

Despite the fact he’s deemed surplus at Old Trafford, a good Euro 2020 might have tempted Manchester United into jacking up the price of their player.

Now, the Hammers might be able to land the 28-year-old at a reasonable price.

Regardless of next season missing out on Euro 2020 will hurt Lingard in the short-term and he’ll be desperate to prove Southgate wrong.