Southgate explained why he did not call Joe Hart and Jack Wilshire
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England manager Gareth Southgate motivates his decision to leave out the `three lions` experienced players like Joe Hart and Jack Wilshire. The door of a national team is not closed for them, but at the moment they have athletes who perform at a better level, Southgate says. Of course it was difficult. Joe played in most of our qualifying matches and had a very significant role in the club in recent years. He is a valuable member of the team, but in the end I have considered the presentation of the players in their clubs by upcoming football games in the last 18 months. The three boys I`ve selected are the best goalie players in the league this year.
I chose players who are in shape. If they play well for their club, why not call them. Hart has to make an important decision for his career this summer and I hope he will then be able to return to his best shape. Of course, Jack Wilshire was also present in our thoughts. He got a call in March, but then he did not play for a national team. We were very pleased with the presentation of the team in November and March. The only midfielder I added to this lineup is Fabian Delph. I think he had an incredible season in Manchester City. I think Jack was in good shape around Christmas and shortly thereafter, but maybe not as effective at the end of the season. In my opinion, the others in this area played very well and deserved their place.
For Lalana the season was very disappointing. Who knows what can happen? He may play a major role in the Champions League final, and somebody may be injured. He could not reach his usual level of performance for so few minutes. He only started in two games as a champion, so it was very difficult, `said Southgate.
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