Man Utd's Ashley Young Discusses the Thing That Gives Him the Edge in World Cup Squad Race

Ashley Young has admitted he is hopeful of earning a place in England's World Cup squad this summer, regardless of which position he is played in.

The Manchester United man has been utilised as a left-back by Jose Mourinho this season and impressed in the role.

After missing out on a place in the World Cup in Brazil four years ago, Young made clear that he is optimistic of being included in Gareth Southgate's squad this time around.

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"The World Cup is coming up quicker than people realise," he told the Daily Mail. "My last call-up was brilliant. I would like to think I deserved it. The manager said he would pick players on form and I think I’ve been playing well this season.

"There is another England squad in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully I can be in that and then we have to wait and see. I’ve got to carry on what I have been doing and hopefully get the recognition."

On his positional flexibility, Young added: "I’ve played every position except goalkeeper and centre-half. I’ve never had an ego about it. Things can be dissected too much. It’s football, go and play. There’s two goals, there’s the ball. Go and score.

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"If I’m asked to play a certain position, I’ll do it 100 per cent. Not to fill in, to cement a place. I can play in six different positions where managers can trust me. 

"It must give them food for thought knowing I can do a job in different positions. Maybe that versatility could help with England."