UPSON PRAISES LOANEE OVER ENGLAND PERFORMANCE

Matthew Upson was impressed with the contributions of Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard for England during the recent international break especially during the home win over Andorra in what was a qualifying match ahead of the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar.

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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dfe49XuWsAEbs2y.jpg

Lingard is on loan at West Ham United from Manchester United. He had to join the Hammers during the January transfer window to play regular first team football. The decision to sign for the Hammers on loan till the end of the season has paid off for the Manchester United Academy graduate and Matthew Upson was impressed with him while the ex-Arsenal and Birmingham City centre back was on BBC Sports for his punditry work.

After a brief hiatus from the Three Lions of England, manager Gareth Southgate included him in the squad for the three World Cup qualifiers played at the end of last month.

Matthew Upson said Lingard was keen to score a goal in the 5-0 thumping of lowly Andorra though he was not able to achieve this and had to settle for the assist for one of the two goals scored by Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Upson was expressed satisfaction with the attitude shown by Lingard during the game.

Lingard is expected to be a part of the 23-man squad to the European Championships if he continues to score the goals for West Ham United in their quest to qualify for the Champions League next season. With the help of the Manchester United loanee, the Hammers are punching above their weight on the Premier League standings.

West Ham United are fighting for two Champions League spots with three teams namely Leicester City, champions Liverpool and fellow London outfit Chelsea. For Lingard, he has scored nine goals and added three assists in ten league games to help the Hammers in their Champions League football quest.