Jesse’s England chance
By Chris Flanagan
LONGFORD footballer Jesse Lingard is being tipped to be the next Paul Scholes after gaining selection for England under 17s at the age of 15.
The Warrington Guardian introduced Jesse to readers as a talented six-year-old in 1999 and that talent is now bearing fruit after a successful year in Manchester United's under 16s team.
The midfield playmaker has attracted comparisons to Scholes because of his technical ability, slight frame and unassuming nature and he will get his first chance to shine on the international stage when he represents England under 17s at the Nordic tournament in Sweden at the end of July.
Jesse, who impressed at England under 16s trials last year but did not make the final squad, received a letter out of the blue to inform him of his call-up to the England under 17s ranks.
He is the only United player in the squad, with England facing initial group matches against Finland on July 28, Iceland on July 29 and Norway on July 31.
The former William Beamont Community High School pupil, now living in digs in Manchester because of his progression in the United scholarship scheme, is highly thought of at Old Trafford and has also attracted admiration from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Blackburn.
United are expected to make a decision on whether to offer Jesse a professional contract in early 2009 and he is likely to get his chance to impress in the club's under 18s team next term.
Jesse was initially snapped up by Liverpool at the age of six, when Crewe Alexandra wanted to sign him on a 10-year deal, but later switched to United - the club he supported.
His grandfather Ken, who is a former powerlifting champion and used to take Jesse to Whitecross Community Centre to practise his skills at the age of five, said: "He's done very well and he's a nice quiet lad with no attitude.
"He's just got to prove himself now at international level but things are looking promising.
"He was outstanding in the last six games of the season for United's under 16s and got three or four man of the match awards.
"He played against Arsenal at the Emirates in a friendly and the Arsenal people commented on how good the number 10 was. That was our Jes.
"People have said he could be the next Paul Scholes. He plays that kind of way, he's a technical player who sprays the passes out and he's got good feet. He's a player who can change games.
"He's got the game and they're just waiting for him to grow. He's not had his growth spurt yet.
"He's only slightly built and I think England went for big lads last year but there's been a big turnaround and they've gone for more technical players.
"He'll get a game in Sweden, there's no doubt about that, and if he can get in the team for the first game and play well, who knows?"
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