Manchester United veteran given chance to earn World Cup spot

Gareth Southgate will include Ashley Young in his England squad for friendlies against Holland and Italy at the end of the month, reports The Daily Mail.

The England manager will name his squad on Thursday in what will be the last realistic chance for some fringe players to prove their worth ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Southgate is expected to name several surprise names in his latest squad but there will also be a space for Manchester United defender Young.

The 32-year-old made his first England appearance in more than four years as a substitute against Brazil in November but will now have the chance to stake a claim for a starting spot at the World Cup.

Danny Rose’s injury woes has opened up an opportunity for someone to steal a march in the pecking order for places at left-back in the England squad.

Young has been in tremendous form for Jose Mourinho’s side this season and is currently keeping Luke Shaw out of the team.  In fact, he is the highest rated left-back in the WhoScored Premier League Team of the season (7.26).