Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka commits to England as he aims for senior spot

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

With 34 Premier League appearances under his belt this season, Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be forgiven with wanting a rest after the final league game this Sunday against Bournemouth, but in June he is set to be selected for England U21s as they battle it out in Italy for the UEFA European U21 Championship.

“Yeah of course, that is where the focus is when the season ends,” said Wan-Bissaka about the international tournament this summer. “It is about focusing on the Euros and aiming to win it, then after that is about focusing on next season.

“But a holiday is always needed, to put your feet up, to rest,” he told the South London Press. “Then I can come back next season fitter and stronger.”

Crystal Palace’s Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season Wan-Bissaka was in the mix for the most recent senior England squad back in March but missed out.

But despite that disappointment, and with his parents’ country of birth, DR Congo, trying to get him to commit to them, the young defender revealed his goal is to make Gareth Southgate’s squad eventually.

“My aim is England,” said the 21-year-old who represented DR Congo at U17 level.

“My aim is just to keep playing and improving and by improving, hopefully, that does not go unnoticed and that will get me the chance, the same as it did with the [first] team now (for Palace).

“I am happy playing with England and representing England, so that is what I am going to continue doing.”