Former Manchester United forward Danny Webber has insisted that Chris Smalling’s exclusion from recent England squads has been a travesty.
Smalling was immense in his partnership with Phil Jones on Saturday at Wembley as they neutralised Harry Kane’s threat to help Manchester United beat Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final.
An early goal aside, Smalling and the rest of the Manchester United back four showed discipline and resilience to keep out a much heralded Tottenham attack.
The defender has been a regular part of Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven this season and despite criticism, has continued to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
However, Smalling has been missing in recent England squads and Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has publicly questioned the Manchester United’s centre half's ability on the ball.
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But Webber stressed it is a ridiculous decision to keep the defender out of the national team as he has been playing regularly at the top level for Manchester United and remains one of the best defenders in England.
The former Red Devil said on MUTV’s Matchday Review programme: “When you play in the level of football that he has been playing week-in-week-out, it seems ludicrous that he is not in the squad.
“It’s not as if England have so many centre halves, he is up there with the best centre halves in the country.
“He is playing Champions League football, he is fighting for trophies and he is at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“What more does he have to do?”
Smalling has turned in 41 appearances for Manchester United this season and it remains to be seen whether he can change Southgate’s mind before the World Cup squad is announced.
