Manchester City midfielder Jacob Wright has been forced to withdraw from the England Under-20s squad due to injury and has returned to the club for treatment. The 19-year-old, who was among three City players called up, did not play in England’s 2-1 victory over Italy, where former City player Darko Gyabi scored. Over the weekend, it was confirmed that Wright would not participate in the team’s second match of the international window.
Pep Guardiola had made it clear that he wanted Wright to remain with Manchester City this season instead of going out on loan, believing the young talent could regularly train with the first team and push for opportunities. Wright agreed with that decision, ending any thoughts of a loan move.
“There was obviously temptation—there always is—but when the manager and his staff express that they want you around the first team, the decision becomes clear,” Wright explained. “The temptation disappears when you know they see you as part of the squad, so I decided to stay for the season.”
Wright had a strong start to the season, netting five goals in nine appearances for City’s academy teams, including a double in a UEFA Youth League match against Slovan Bratislava. Both the player and the club will hope his injury doesn’t sideline him for long, as he aims to continue proving himself and justifying Guardiola’s confidence.
