Lingard a ‘possibility’ to replace Welbeck in England squad

Matt Stead

Roy Hodgson is considering including Jesse Lingard in England’s squad for Euro 2016 as a replacement for injured Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck is expected to be ruled out after injuring his knee in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City, leaving one spot up for grabs.

And according to the Daily Mirror, England manager Hodgson attended Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat at West Ham in order to run the rule over uncapped winger Lingard, who only played the final seven minutes after replacing Ander Herrera.

However, the report does state that Newcastle’s Andros Townsend, a favourite of Hodgson’s in the past, is in pole position to replace Welbeck, ahead of Theo Walcott.

Townsend has been in eye-catching form since joining the Magpies from Tottenham, while Walcott has not started a league game for Arsenal since the 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford in February.

Hodgson has delayed the naming of his squad until Monday in order to check on a number of fitness issues, including Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

Meanwhile, the Mirror also suggest England will only take six defenders, with Phil Jagielka and Ryan Bertrand missing out, meaning Nathaniel Clyne will be relied upon as an emergency left-back.