ENGLAND: LINGARD EARNS SOUTHGATE PRAISE

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England manager Gareth Southgate was impressed with Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard after his impressive display propelled the team to a convincing win over Andorra at home at the weekend. The Manchester United attacker was easily the best player on the pitch as he scored a brace to lead England to a 4-0 win over Andorra when the two teams met in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Lingard has struggled for match action at Manchester United after three Premier League games this season but it didn’t show in his display against lowly Andorra. The ex-West Ham United loanee has been snubbed by Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as far as the starting XI for the three games played in the league this season is concerned. This is despite being the star for Manchester United during preseason upon his return from West Ham United. He spent the second half of last season at West Ham United whom he helped to secure a place in the Europa League via sixth place on the log.

Manchester United star Lingard was the recipient of the first goal of the game against Andorra in the first half. His goal gave hosts England a slim lead at the halftime interval. Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane came off the bench in the second half to double the advantage for the Three Lions with a well taken penalty after Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount was brought down in the Andorra box. Just like team captain Kane, Chelsea star Mount came off the bench in the second half to have an impact on proceedings. Both Chelsea playmaker Mount and Spurs hitman Kane were given a rest from the starting XI for the Andorra game.

Arsenal star Saka and Lingard showed good understanding on the pitch with the former also providing the assist for the second goal from Lingard as he made it 3-0 for his team. Lingard turned provider for Saka to wrap up the 4-0 win via a header.

The comprehensive victory took England to the maximum of 15 points from five games ahead of the next qualifying match against San Marino later this week.