AARON WAN-BISSAKA could have been forgiven for feeling slightly dismayed heading into this game.
Hours earlier Gareth Southgate had named his England squad for the three World Cup qualifiers in March.
Not only was Wan-Bissaka not in it – he didn’t even get a mention from the Three Lions boss. And SEVEN other right-backs did.
Manchester United fans would have been scratching their heads as the former Crystal Palace man has been excellent this season – defensively at least.
Raheem Sterling would vouch for that after this month’s Manchester derby – so too would Neymar and Kylian Mbappe of PSG.
Known as ‘the Spider’ for his tackling ability, his opponents often find there is no way around him.
But unless he can add some attacking prowess to his game and can become more a wing-back he is likely to stay in the cold as far as England goes.
And despite another solid night in keeping the home side at bay in the San Siro, there was little in his link up with Dan James that caused a problem.
Southgate has an embarrassment of riches in his position.
The Three Lions boss picked three in his squad – yet his decision to leave out Trent Alexander Arnold was the big shock of the day.
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He also talked up a couple of youngsters in the Under 21s – Max Aarons and Tariq Lamptey as players he has to keep an eye on.
Southgate said: “There are some areas of the pitch where we have some incredible competition for places
“It’s simply that Reece James and Kieran Tripper have had exceptional seasons really with their clubs. Kyle Walker is in great form with Manchester City.
“There are other players in the league who are also playing well in that position, (Matty) Cash at Aston Villa and (Luke) Ayling at Leeds.
“We have two really good right-backs in the under-21s, so it’s a remarkable position of strength.”
Quite a crowd for Wan-Bissaka to get past then. You could argue he is better defensively than all of those mentioned.
But he does not contribute enough going forward for Southgate’s liking.
He scored in the rout of Southampton and looked lively at Arsenal earlier in the year, but his contributions to United as an attacking force have been few and far between.
Here with United needing a goal, there was little threat coming down the right from United in the first half.
AWB did have a hand in the build up to the crucial goal which sub Paul Pogba converted early in the second half.
And as the home side committed more players to attack in search of an equaliser, Wan-Bissaka and James linked up well on a couple of occasions.
On one of them, a low cross from the defender late on looked dangerous but was safely gathered by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But he may have to do a bit more if he is to turn the head of Southgate if he is to get another call-up to add to the one he got in August 2019.
Before playing for England at Under 20 and Under 21 levels, he had previously represented Congo at junior level.
Wan-Bissaka is only 23 – there is still time. But the latest snub might just make him rethink his decision.
