Moyes backs Lingard for England recall as Man Utd loanee bags a brace on West Ham debut

David Moyes has backed Jesse Lingard for an England recall after the Manchester United loanee marked his West Ham debut by scoring twice against Aston Villa.

West Ham boosted their hopes of securing European football with an impressive 3-1 win at Villa Park and it was the winter window signing who inspired the victory, Lingard netting the Hammers’ second and third goals with two smartly-taken finishes.

It was a welcome return to prominence for the 28-year-old who has seen his fortunes falter at Manchester United over the past two seasons, the midfielder full of energy and linking well with Michail Antonio in attack.

Lingard had failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the Red Devils this season but looked sharp throughout, his match-winning brace adding to Tomas Soucek’s opener as West Ham returned to the capital with three points.

Moyes was delighted with the loanee’s contribution and believes Lingard can earn an international recall if he can maintain this level of performance, having last represented England at the 2019 Nations League finals.

“Very good. It was an excellent performance. Villa have been in good form. I didn’t think we played very well against Liverpool but we moved on tonight,” Moyes said at his post match press conference.

“Jesse is still getting used to us and us to him. We are thrilled because he made a difference. If he keeps on like that it won’t be long until he is back in the England squad. He made the team better tonight. I felt we were short in areas where we make chances. It is proved tonight that we needed him.

“I thought there were a few shouts for penalties that could have gone either way. The players have done the job. Soucek scored another goal and was a wee bit unlucky late on not to have another.”

West Ham remain fifth and moved within two points of the Champions League places, ahead of this weekend’s trip to face struggling Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Read – Golazo Merchants: The Boss of Bosses, Alan Shearer