- Jadon Sancho has received a confidence boost from Gareth Southgate
- The Manchester United winger has not played for England for two years
- Southgate admitted it is a ‘challenge’ for Sancho to get back into the England squad
Gareth Southgate has told Jadon Sancho he can force his way back into the England starting line-up but branded the Manchester United winger’s situation as ‘difficult’.
Sancho’s future looks uncertain after he publicly hit back at United boss Erik ten Hag, insisting he had been made a ‘scapegoat’ after criticism for failing to deliver the required performances in training.
Meanwhile, his last appearance in England came two years ago during a 45-minute appearance in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
Frequent lateness and reports of sulking when he was not picked to start matches led to reports of Man United and England staff becoming frustrated with the 23-year-old.
However, England boss Southgate tried to give the Man City academy product a confidence boost before his side take on Scotland on Tuesday.
Gareth Southgate (left) has told Jadon Sancho (right) he can force his way back into the England set-up
Sancho’s future at Manchester United is uncertain following his recent outburst on social media
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Discussing Sancho’s international future with England, the Three Lions boss said: ‘I think that’s the challenge for him now.
“It’s been the best part of a few years since we’ve been working with him, it’s hard to say exactly what position he’s in and where he’s at.
“But for every player who is not with us, there is always an opportunity if he can seize the form and reach the (right) level of performance,” he added.
Sancho has 23 England caps but has seen opportunities become more limited after moving to Manchester United two years ago on a £73million contract.
Sancho has struggled to repeat his previous career form at Manchester United
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag (left) recently slammed Sancho (right) for a drop in his training standards
Only one appearance followed his missed penalty in England’s European Championship final against Italy the same year, having failed to match his previous Borussia Dortmund form at United.
The London-born attacker was intended to be United’s right winger for the important future, but due to a difficult training period, Ten Hag brought Brazilian Antony into charge during his first transfer window.
Sancho endured a difficult first season under the Dutchman last season and was sent away to train with United in a bid to improve his physical and mental wellbeing.
He has scored just three goals for England since making his national team debut against Croatia five years ago.