Chris Smalling expressed frustration at his exclusion from the England national team despite his successes with Roma over the last few years.
The 32-year-old defender joined the Giallorossi on loan from Manchester United in the summer of 2019 before making a permanent move the following year after a strong debut campaign in Italy. Smalling is a key part of Jose Mourinho’s squad in the Italian capital and has made 110 appearances for the club since his arrival.
Speaking via Calciomercato.com, Smalling highlighted his disappointment at the lack of an England call-up despite his impressive performances for Roma.
“Every time there are call-ups I am disappointed, I would like to be there. I feel I can offer a lot, now that I am not called up I understand even more how great it is to play with the England shirt.
“Things are going well with Roma and we hope to win more trophies, but I have this void related to the national team.”
He suggested that he held no grudge towards coach Gareth Southgate but was disappointed at his exclusion regardless.
“I have no grudge with the coach. When I watch England I’m frustrated and disappointed not to be there, but now what I can do is concentrate on the present and hope the opportunity will come.”
Smalling has made 31 caps for the England national team since his debut in September 2011 under Fabio Capello but has not made an appearance for the Three Lions since a World Cup qualifier against Scotland back in June 2017.
its because your headcoach is a dumb
Agree Des
That’s why England will not win the World Cup because their choice of defenders will make the usual mistakes. Smalling should go as he has the experience of defending tactics which the premiership clubs / defenders ignore because it’s.not entertaining for TV
Southgate is a loser who selects losers.
Lord Maguire has to play, no place for Chris