Crystal Palace defender – a rising start – on his England U21 call-up

BY SAM SMITH

Aaron Wan-Bissaka got an England U21 call-up last week – and reckons talk of representing his country will never affect him.

The Crystal Palace right back received his first call-up to Aidy Boothroyd’s side last week. It follows two appearances for the Three Lions’ U20s earlier this year. 

When asked if he gained pride from his call-up, the 20-year-old said: “Of course. It’s another step ahead [in my development]. 

“It’s another challenge which I’m looking to take. I’ve never let [the talk about me playing for England] get to me.” 

England boss Gareth Southgate was in the crowd to watch the Palace academy graduate play against Liverpool last month. 

Wan-Bissaka played well but was sent off late on for a professional foul on Mohamed Salah. 

“I’ve kept playing my game, kept playing how I play and managed to block everything out,” said the Croydon-born defender. 

The winger-turned-defender has started three of the Eagles’ four Premier League fixtures this season, only missing the trip to Watford through suspension. 

He impressed again in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Southampton. 

“Each game is another step,” said Wan-Bissaka. “I don’t like losing, especially 2-0. That’s something to learn and kick-on from. We don’t deserve to have lost the games we have lost. We just need to keep going.”