Danny Rose hoping to take opportunity versus Belgium

England international Danny Rose is hoping to take the opportunity against Belgium, should Gareth Southgate decide to make wholesale changes for the World Cup meeting. Rose has so far come off the bench for the Three Lions with Ashley Young being the preferred choice for the left wing-back spot but he remains optimistic of getting a start versus the Red Devils.

In a report covered by Evening Standard, Rose admitted that Young had a better season, with Manchester United, and he cannot complain regarding the manager’s preference for his compatriot. Nevertheless, he is prepared to take his chance, should an opportunity arise during the country’s remaining games of the World Cup.

He said: “The manager said that Young has had a really good season at United. He has had a lot of games and has had a rhythm. What can I say to that? I can’t argue with it. He is right in what he said. Am I as fit as I was before my injury? No. I was playing two or three games a week then. This season I have been lucky to play one a week. I support Young and my team in any way possible. If I am given a chance tomorrow or in the next rounds I have to be ready to take it.”

Rose had become the country’s first-choice left-back during the 2016 European Championship in France but he thereafter suffered a long-term knee injury which hampered his gametime. Since then, he has dropped down the pecking order for both club and country and he has previously admitted that he was lucky to have made the squad after making just 10 Premier League appearances during a difficult 2017/18 campaign. England are presently leading their group ahead of Belgium on the Fair Play card but both teams should tackle each other with no fears on Thursday after sealing their progress into the round of 16.