England's Cresswell keen to impress in France clash

Aaron Cresswell

 

  • Hammers full-back Aaron Cresswell is hoping to impress England boss Gareth Southgate if called upon against France on Tuesday
  • The Three Lions take on Didier Deschamps’ team at the Stade de France in Paris
  • And Cresswell, who could make his second international appearance, is ready to challenge the other left-backs at the manager’s disposal

West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell will hope to be given the opportunity to impress England manager Gareth Southgate when the Three Lions take on France in Paris on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old was kept out the side by Ryan Bertrand on Saturday when England picked up a FIFA World Cup qualifying point in a 2-2 draw against Scotland, but will be keen to earn his second cap against Didier Deschamps’ team.

Cresswell, who made his first senior international appearance in November, replacing Danny Rose as a sub against Spain at Wembley, is expected to be pushed into the starting XI as Southgate looks to access other areas of his squad following the Hampden Park stalemate.

And the full-back is keen to prove he can challenge the other left-sided defenders that are also at the manager’s disposal.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that’s what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies.

Aaron Cresswell

Cresswell
He said: “There have been plenty of top left-backs over the years and you look at it now with Bertrand, Luke Shaw and Danny Rose – there are plenty there to fight with.

“You have got to do the best for your club first and foremost and hopefully the manager will see a performance that merits a place in the team.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that’s what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies.

“There is not one single lad in there who is going to take their foot off the gas, knowing it’s a friendly match [against France] and take it easy. That won’t be the case. We want to win every game.”

Cresswell was utilised as both a regular full-back as well as an energetic wing-back throughout the season at West Ham under Bilic.

And with the England side, the Liverpool-born defender is ready to do whatever is asked of him at the Stade de France this week.

“I’ve played in both positions at West Ham, in three at the back or four at the back. I’m more than capable of doing that. Whatever the manager wants me to play, I am sure the lads will adapt.

“I don’t have a preference really. It is all down to the preference of the manager, the opposition you are going to play and what formation is going to suit the team.

“It is good to test yourself against some of the best players in the world and France have certainly got them. It is going to be another tough venue to go to, similar to Saturday. We are looking forward to it.”