Tuesday 28 March 2017 07:58, UK
Gareth Southgate admits regret at seeing Wilfried Zaha give up on England and join Ivory Coast - but insists he must have players 100 percent committed to his team.
Zaha made two senior appearances for England in friendlies but joined his country of birth in 2016 after getting fed up with a lack of interest from the FA.
The Crystal Palace winger scored an outstanding solo goal against Russia over the international break and his club chairman Steve Parish hit out at the England camp, questioning why it was not Southgate's side the 24-year-old was scoring for.
"I know Steve's an intelligent guy who's done a great job for that football club," said Southgate. "(But) I'm not sure it's helpful to comment.
"I wouldn't comment on his decisions and we're both in important roles. But he is passionate about his football, his players. I spoke to him during that process as well, he was keen to push that forward. I totally understand it.
"But I go back to that it was a very small timescale for me to pick him. I didn't really appreciate there was this disappearing egg timer on him going to the Ivory Coast, and of course I was interim manager at the point.
"I didn't want to pick him just because there was a chance that might happen, but the first opportunity I had as permanent manager I did go and speak to him (Parish).
"Wilfried was the first player I went and saw when I got the job permanently, but he'd already made his mind up to go across to the Ivory Coast.
"In the end I have to focus on players who are desperate to play for England. For me, it's different to a club. If you feel that internal 100 percent passion for playing for England, then I'm not sure it's for me to sell that to you. I think it should be your desire to do it."
