Bertrand praises Koeman for impact on his career

Southampton left back Ryan Bertrand has spoken of his need to stay focused and concentrated ahead of his battle for a starting spot in the England XI and praised Saints boss Ronald Koeman for helping him develop.

Bertrand played the full match as England succumbed to a 2-0 to Spain on Friday night. He is also expected to play and start when England face France at Wembley tomorrow night.

The 26-year-old is the clear favourite to become England’s first choice left back following an long-term injury to Manchester United’s Luke Shaw and reoccurring injuries to Everton’s Leighton Baines.

This has left Danny Rose, Kieran Gibbs and, of course, Ryan Bertrand all vying for the left back slot. Ryan Bertrand is, in my opinion, the best and most experienced of the three and should easily be ahead of them, which he currently is.

Unless Shaw returns before the European Championships next summer, Bertrand is the obvious candidate to go into them as first choice, and rightly so following his superb form of late.

Here is what he had to say on Koeman’s impact on him as a player.

I just needed a foundation of consistent football and that’s what I went looking for.

At Southampton, with Ronald Koeman as the manager, I found that. He really lets me express myself and play my game, put my stamp on games and not just participate.

He also spoke about the concentration he needs to retain his place.

I just want to continue and concentrate on each game, each friendly game.

We’ve got big tests coming again on Tuesday and again with the following friendlies coming up. It is important that we keep consistent as a team, in my performances too.