Danny Drinkwater told England manager he was not fully fit after he was called up to the national team for international friendlies, and that has raised many questions of the midfielder’s commitment to the country.
Drinkwater was injured for the majority of the opening season, and the entire summer as well, making it difficult for the player to accept a call-up to the national team.
He wanted to remain at Chelsea and try to boost his fitness before club football resumed in a few days, as competition for places at the club grows by the day.
He has Frenchmen N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko to deal with as well as Cesc Fabregas in the Chelsea midfield.
His former teammate at Leicester City, Jamie Vardy explains why Drinkwater was right to have rejected the call-up to the Three Lions.
“He has been struggling to get a bit of match-time. He was injured and he needs to get the match sharpness back. He has been doing that in recent weeks for Chelsea and he needs to keep building that up.
He definitely wants to play for his country.”
Jamie Vardy, BBC
Drinkwater last made an appearance for the Three Lions in May 2016, spanning over a year before he adds to the three caps he has for England.
He has made two substitute appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea this season.
