Jesse Lingard realises importance of playing for England after watching with fans

Manchester United star Jesse Lingard admits joining fans to cheer on England at Euro 2020 has made him realise just how important it is to ‘put on the shirt and play for your country’


Jesse Lingard admits watching England with the fans has given him a different view of how important the Three Lions are for the nation.

The Manchester United forward put his disappointment at missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate‘s 26-man squad to cheer on the Three Lions against Croatia on Sunday in a beer garden in Cheshire.

Lingard posted a number of videos and photos to his Instagram account where he could be seen enjoying a cocktail and singing the national anthem. 

Jesse Lingard enjoyed the England game with a cocktail in the sun at a Cheshire pub

He showed his support for former West Ham team-mate Declan Rice by wearing his shirt

He showed his support for former West Ham team-mate Declan Rice by wearing his shirt

Lingard told the Sun: ‘It’s crazy, you don’t realise until like you’re actually in it how much it means to everyone.

‘Everyone’s watching the game and everyone’s in a beer garden, and the sun was out, the drinks are flying everywhere.’

The 28-year-old forced his way into the reckoning with impressive performances during a loan spell at West Ham.

He showed his support to former Hammers team-mate Declan Rice by wearing his No 4 England shirt.

The 28-year-old says he has realised how important it is to play for the Three Lions

The 28-year-old says he has realised how important it is to play for the Three Lions

He added: ‘You don’t realise how important it is to the whole nation, to be to be putting on that shirt and playing for your country

‘It gives you a different, different perspective. It’s crazy how many people really love football and want to be part of football.’  

Lingard made Southgate’s initial 33-man squad and was then in the frame to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold when the Liverpool man pulled out with an injury.

Unfortunately for Lingard that last place went to Brighton’s Ben White, but Lingard did not let it affect him as he cheered on the Three Lions with his friends at a beer garden in Knutsford near Macclesfield.