England vs Germany: Ashley Young insists he in not a diver… but likes to give referees a tough decision
ASHLEY YOUNG says he is not a diver — but does not mind giving referees a difficult decision to make.
The Manchester United man is back in the England squad for the first time in four years, as a reinvented left-back.
But the 32-year-old still has to field the inevitable questions about his reputation for taking a tumble.
Young said: “A lot of people talk about diving but if the referee gives a foul, then it’s a foul. That’s just how I see it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Anyone can say anything, but no, I don’t dive.
“I think referees have a tough job. It’s hard for them to make a split- second decision.
“Sometimes I think decisions go against players but you just have to get on with it.
“Sometimes you get a decision which you shouldn’t and other times you don’t, when you should do.”
When asked to advise Raheem Sterling, after the Manchester City winger was wrongly accused of diving by Arsene Wenger, Young said: “It’s about having a thick skin.”
DIER MEMORY Dier cannot remember anything from Brazil World Cup in 2014… even the winners
That answer seems to sum up Young, who has never been in football to win popularity contests.
Young, a spiky interviewee but apparently an excellent father figure to Marcus Rashford and other United youngsters, might have been willing to give Dele Alli some advice this week.
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Sadly, the pair were unable to renew acquaintances before England’s friendlies with Germany and Brazil, when the Tottenham midfielder pulled out of the squad through injury.
Their on-field confrontation during United’s 1-0 win over Spurs last month saw Dele, 21, apparently taunt Young about his age.
The veteran reminded the upstart that he had not won a Premier League title.
But Young said: “It would have been nice to have seen him. Things happen on football pitches. Once the game is finished, you don’t need to talk afterwards.
“Dele’s a confident player. That gives him that edge.”
When it was put to him that he had not won the league, Young replied flatly: “He hasn’t yet, no.”
Young, who has 30 caps, was jettisoned by England boss Roy Hodgson after missing a penalty in the Euro 2012 quarter-final shootout defeat by Italy.
Versatility is the key to his recall.
Young said: “I’d prefer it if I was playing further up the pitch but I’ve been able to adapt and play as a left-back or a right-back and as a wing-back.
“I feel like I’ve played well and that I deserve this call-up.”
