Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has hit back at Gareth Southgate after comments the England boss made following the centre-back’s omission from his latest squad.
Smalling was left out of England’s squad to face Brazil and Germany after Southgate criticised the defender’s ability on the ball.
‘We want to play in a certain way and the players I have brought in I want to see using the ball from the back and building it up in a certain way,’ said Southgate.
Smalling though has hit back at Southgate and says he would not be at Manchester United if he didn’t possess a full range of abilities.
‘Was I surprised [about being left out]?, Yes I was, but you don’t play for one of the biggest clubs in the world as long as I have without being able to do all the things a top defender can do,’ said Smalling.
‘As a team we have one of the best defensive record this year and I am very proud to be a part of that.
‘Whilst I’m playing regularly under Jose, than I am happy enough.’
England kept two clean sheets in their clashes against Brazil and Germany but Smalling is likely to be given another chance before this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
The 27-year-old has 31 caps for England, scoring once.
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