Tyrone Mings, Aston Villa, Villans, Villa Park, Premier League
Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has been reacting to the news of Tyrone Mings’ exclusion from the England World Cup squad.
The Lowdown: Error in front of Southgate
The defender has made 12 appearances during the current Premier League campaign under Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery. The 29-year-old, who has 17 international caps to his name, was part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad but hasn’t featured for the Three Lions since March.
Southgate was in attendance for Villa’s game with Chelsea last month, with the centre-back making a big error early on which allowed Mason Mount to score.
The Latest: World Cup absence
On Thursday, England manager Southgate named his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar, with Villa duo Mings and Ollie Watkins both missing out.
Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, John Stones, Conor Coady, Ben White and Kyle Walker were preferred, with Preece admitting on Twitter that he was ‘gutted’ for Mings, who he feels has been ‘so strong’ for Villa this season.
The Verdict: Not a surprise?
Mings began the 2022/23 season on the bench under Gerrard and missed the entirety of England’s UEFA Nations League campaign.
Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a major shock to the player that he has missed out on a World Cup call, although it will still be hugely disappointing given his previous involvement for the Three Lions.
Villa will also feel for their centre-back, although Emery may actually benefit from Southgate’s decision, as he will have more time to work with the player on the training ground over the next six weeks.
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