The figures indicate that Smalling, 32, has been the top English center-back in Europe. He has been a star for Roma this season. The removal of the AS Roma defender from Garth Southgate’s 26-man England World Cup roster has prompted a response from Chris Smalling’s wife.
According to Opta Analyst, depending on the Opta Index scoring methodology, the ex-Manchester United player has surpassed his fellow English center backs this season. He was not selected for Southgate’s England team, which also included Harry Maguire of Manchester United, Eric Dier of Tottenham, John Stones of Manchester City, Ben White of Arsenal, and Conor Coady of Everton.
Smalling, who has 31 career international appearances, hasn’t represented his nation since 2017. He isn’t the only English defender based in Serie A to have been left out of Southgate’s World Cup roster. Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan, who last season won the Scudetto, was also left off the roster.
Sam Smalling, Smalling’s wife, took exception at her husband’s disrespect for England and posted a strong message via social media.
On Instagram, she posted Opta’s statistics with the caption: the English central defender with the best stats in Europe this year. Added her: I am beyond pleased.
During the press conference where he presented his team, the Three Lions manager was questioned on his choice to leave Smalling and Tomori behind. He stated, “We’ve chosen our more seasoned defenders.
Although the newer folks have merit, we don’t believe they’ve contributed enough to unseat the more seasoned members. Maguire? Despite the fact that we have several players performing at a level that qualifies them for the English national team, he is one of our top center defenders.
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