Football journalist Gregg Evans has offered some insight into the reason behind Matty Cash’s decision to switch international allegiances.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the English right-back has applied for a Polish passport with hopes of getting a shot at international football. The 24-year-old’s mother is Polish, thus allowing him to make the decision.
If all goes well, Cash could be granted the opportunity of playing for Poland as early as November and could end up as a part of their team for the 2022 World Cup.
Is Matty Cash good enough for England?
Yes
No
Despite impressing with Villa in recent times, the defender must feel as if his hopes of making the Three Lions setup is minimal.
With this in mind, Evans explained why manager Gareth Southgate was less likely to select Cash when compared to other English right-backs.
Talking on the 1874 podcast, he said: “What Southgate likes, although he’s namechecked Cash [in press conferences], he likes players that have come through the system previously that he knows about, that they’ve worked hard on.
“Cash just hasn’t been that player, unfortunately, so that might go slightly against him.
“I think he’s got to the stage now where he realises he’s a regular in the Premier League, the opportunity of playing international football for Poland has now come up. Poland would really like him to play and that process is now in place now.”
TIF Thoughts on Matty Cash and Aston Villa…
Cash has certainly drawn plenty of attention in the media of late. Beyond the news of his decision to seek out a Polish passport, he has also impressed on the pitch.
Last weekend, he fired home a powerful strike – his first Premier League goal – against Everton as he helped the Villans to a comfortable 3-0 win.
That result was the club’s second victory of the season and it leaves them middle of the table in 10th place on seven points after five games.
With an international career now potentially on the horizon, Cash may feel the pressure to perform at a higher level than he has ever managed before – even if just to prove Southgate wrong.
In other news: ‘That could be really exciting’ – Gregg Evans drops claim on ‘really important’ Villa ace