- Ashley Young is in line to win his first England cap for four years
- The Manchester United wing-back was recalled to squad by Gareth Southgate
- It follows some impressive early season form in Jose Mourinho’s side
- Young said he never believed his international career was over
Ashley Young never ‘shut the door’ on his England career as the Manchester United wing-back prepares to pull on the Three Lions shirt for the first time in four years.
The 32-year-old was recalled to the England squad by Gareth Southgate for the glamour friendlies against Germany on Friday and Brazil on Tuesday, both at Wembley.
It follows an impressive start to the season for United when deployed as either a full-back or a wing-back in Jose Mourinho’s side.
Ashley Young cracks a smile despite monsoon conditions as England trained this week
Jesse Lingard jumps on Young’s back as the Manchester United team-mates lark around
If picked, Young will play for England for the first time since a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine back in September 2013 and he hasn’t yet given up on featuring at next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
‘I’ve showed I deserve to be in the squad,’ Young said on Wednesday. ‘But it’s not just that, it’s being in the team. I want to play every game.
‘The World Cup is a long way away, but every England player wants to be in the World Cup.
‘I never once shut the door on England or thought the door was shut on myself. When you have the chance to represent your country it’s an honour to pull on an England shirt.
Young in action for England during the 2012 European Championship, where he missed a penalty in the quarter-final defeat to Italy
Roy Hodgson and Gary Neville console Young following his penalty miss at Euro 2012
‘That’s why I will never retire until my legs tell me I can’t run any more. I’m delighted to be back.’
Young has won 30 caps for the national side and scored seven goals, featuring in England’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2012 European Championship.
He made most of their appearances as a winger, but has since willingly adapted to a more defensive role.
‘As a footballer nowadays you’ve got to play in different formations and systems, and it’s just whether you can adapt,’ Young added.
‘I’ve been able to do that. The manager is talking about trying a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 and I feel like I can step into that role.
‘It’s more having the right footballing brain. I’m one of those players who can read the game well. It’s been quite easy to adjust to the position, and with the help of [Jose Mourinho] and the other players I’ve done that really well.’
Young in action in Manchester United’s Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday
