Ashley Young: I will never give up hope of an England recall

Tuesday 29 Sep 2015
Ashley Young has not played for England since September 2013

Ashley Young is refusing to give up on an England recall and says he will always make himself available for his country.

The Manchester United winger has not played for the Three Lions since appearing as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw with Ukraine in September 2013.

However, Young enjoyed an upturn in form over the past 18 months, and says he still has his sights set on adding to the 30 caps he already has to his name.

“I know I have to play well for United to have a chance and then you hope the England manager comes knocking on the door,” he said.

Ashley Young last played for England on 10 September 2013

“I am always going to make myself available as long as my legs can carry me around the pitch. I will never think about retiring from England until I retire from football completely at club level. 

“That is not going to happen soon. I feel fit if and if the call comes then it comes.” 

Young, who is preparing for Manchester United’s second UEFA Champions League game of the season, said there has been contact with the England manager.

But injury ruled him out of a return at the end of the 2014-15 season.

“Roy Hodgson was in touch at the end of last season,” he added. “I had a slight problem with my achilles. I was disappointed not to join up.”

Ashley Young celebrates after scoring one of his seven England goals

For now though Young’s focus is on club football. 

Following Manchester United's defeat in Eindhoven on matchday one, a crucial game against the 2009 Bundesliga champions awaits.

“It is important to get a win against Wolfsburg,” he continued. 

“If you want to win the Champions league then you have to win your home games. 

“It was a disappointing start to the European campaign especially the possession and chances we had in Eindhoven that really was disappointing. 

"We have start winning in the group now.”

“I have been in touch with Luke and he seems very positive”

Ashley Young on England left-back Luke Shaw

The defeat in Holland came at an additional cost, as England left-back Luke Shaw suffered a double-fracture that ruled him out for at least six months.

But Young ended by confirming the 20-year-old is in good spirits and already making strides on the road to recovery.

“Luke’s injury was very disappointing,” he added. “I have been in touch with him and been speaking to him and he seems very positive. 

“The manager has said how surprised he was how positive he is but that is the type of kid he is.”

Roy Hodgson announces his squad for the October games against Estonia and Lithuania on Thursday.

Tickets for the game against Estonia at Wembley Stadium on Friday 9 October are on sale now. Click here to get yours.

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer