Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand remains confident that he is still good enough to feature for the England national team.
The left-back’s last appearance for Gareth Southgate’s side was in November 2017, with the England boss preferring a more youthful pool of options since then.
Bertrand was excluded from Southgate’s squad for the summer’s World Cup in Russia, as he opted to utilise Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose and Manchester United’s Ashley Young.
In more recent times, United’s Luke Shaw and Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell have been called on to feature at left-back, indicating that Bertrand is some way down the pecking order at international level.
Despite this, though, the Southampton captain has not been fazed by his recent omissions and told BBC Radio Solent that he still firmly believes in his ability to compete for England.
For me, England are probably thinking ‘ahead, ahead’, which is great. But, at the end of the day, I’m 29 not 39. I’m confident in my ability and I think if you took an objective view, I would be well in the running to counteract opinions.
It’s pointless talking, you might as well show people what you can do on the field.
Bertrand will be keen to help Southampton climb up the table as he bids to reclaim his spot in Southgate’s England squad.
