The 23-year-old, who hit back at United manager Erik ten Hag after being left out of the squad for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal just over a week ago, has not been named in the England squad for almost two years. His last appearance for the Three Lions was back in October 2021.
That, of course, meant that he missed out on a place in Southgate&aposs squad for last year&aposs World Cup and his hopes of being recalled for next summer&aposs European Championship in Germany, should England qualify, are already in serious jeopardy. His United future is also in doubt following his decision to hit back at Ten Hag in a social media post.
Nevertheless, Southgate, who will watch his side take on Scotland in a friendly at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening, has refused to rule out the prospect of Sancho reclaiming his place in the squad at some point in the future, suggesting that winning his place back could rekindle his career.
“I think that&aposs the challenge for him now,” said Southgate, speaking ahead of the clash with Scotland. “It&aposs been the best part of a couple of years since we worked with him, it&aposs difficult to say exactly the position that he finds himself and where he is with it all.
“But for every player that&aposs not with us, there is always an opportunity if they can seize the form and have the (right) level of performances.”
Sancho, who has earned 23 senior caps for England, scoring three goals and grabbing seven assists in the process, has featured in three of United&aposs opening four Premier League fixtures this season, appearing as a second-half substitute on all three occasions. But after failing to impress Ten Hag in training in the build-up to the recent clash with Arsenal, it remains to be seen whether he will be welcomed back into the Dutchman&aposs plans against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
