Mourinho advises Southgate to select former Man Utd defender 

AS Roma mentor Jose Mourinho has urged England boss Gareth Southgate to include former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in his FIFA World Cup squad. 

Mourinho reckons that the defender has all it takes to be in contention to be selected for England. 

Smalling has been a regular starter under Mourinho in the Serie A side. 

“He was taught to play in a two-man defence in Manchester,” said Mourinho as quoted by The Irish Sun. 

“But now he’s got the perfect acumen to play in a three-man backline.

“If I were the coach of a national team, I would do anything to have someone like him at my disposal.

“I don’t think it’s a lack of respect for Gareth Southgate when I say that I feel very sorry for a player who’s playing at such a high level like Smalling and who won’t get the opportunity he deserves.”

Smalling signed for Roma back in 2019 from the Red Devils. 

The 32-year-old defender has not been part of the Three Lions since 2017. 

To add to that, he has not been selected by Southgate for either of the last two tournaments.

The experienced defender has been in magnificent form for his side this season. 

With defenders Reece James and Kyle Walker likely to miss the prestigious tournament, Smalling could be the man to turn to. 

Meanwhile, the likes of John Stones and Trent Alexander-Arnold are struggling with match fitness. 

“I have huge respect for Chris. He is a player playing at a big club,” added the ex-Chelsea boss. 

“He’s got the perfect acumen to play in a three-man backline.”