Southgate explains Wan-Bissaka's exclusion from England squad

Aaron Wan-Bissaka didn’t make the cut for his national team, and the manager suggests the player is not as versatile as his challengers.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka rose to prominence with Crystal Palace during the 2018/19 season after which he was picked up by Manchester United for a reported €55 million (£50m).

He further enhanced his reputation in his debut season at Old Trafford, cementing his place as arguably the best defensive right-back in the entire Premier League.

The 22-year old won 80 tackles, at least 11 more than any other defender, while only on 22 occasions he was dribbled past by an opponent last season.

The full-back continues to be one of Man United’s most reliable performers this season, but his performances have been overlooked by the England national team manager.

Wan-Bissaka’s name was not in the latest 29-man squad list by Gareth Southgate, who instead picked Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea’s Reece James for the right-back spot.

“It’s an area of the pitch where we are blessed,” said Southgate explaining the Man United defender’s omission, via Goal.

“Reece and Trent have both played as wing-backs as well as full-backs. They are in outstanding form and we are probably stronger there than in any other position.

“Aaron is a very good defender, one against one he’s probably as good as I have seen, but I have to look at the balance of the team and currently there are players ahead of him.”