There is no excuse for England to overlook Jesse Lingard for Euro 2020

That's right. It's 2021, a pandemic is ongoing and Jesse Lingard is still playing himself into contention for the England squad ahead of a major tournament.

And yes, he should absolutely be there. Like, he deserves a window seat in first class on the plane levels of 'he needs to be there'.

A January loan move to West Ham always felt like a decent bit of business for all involved, but Lingard has still managed to exceed expectations entirely since moving to east London. In nine Premier League games for the Hammers, Lingard has bagged eight goals and three assists, reminding everyone of just how good he is when he's in full stride.

An England recall for Euro 2020 might seem rather reactionary and too far-fetched considering the talent on offer in attack to Gareth Southgate, but it really isn't. Lingard can play an important role in the squad yet again for the Three Lions and has earned his right to a call up.

The 28-year-old's resurgence has put the onus on parent club Manchester United, with many suggesting they should bring him back into the fold next season. That still remains the incorrect decision and a permanent move is best for all parties involved, but that isn't to bring down the level of Lingard.

Entering his prime years, Lingard is a huge confidence player and clearly thrives when given extended runs in the side, hence why it fell apart for him in Manchester when having to try and make an impact from a bit-part role, the same bit-part role he would resume playing if he returned to Old Trafford.

When you can get the best out of him, however, you get a talented footballer. And just because he isn't needed at a continually improving United doesn't mean he isn't at a seriously high calibre. Lingard walks into most of the sides challenging for the top four, if not all of them, and has been undoubtedly key to West Ham's surprise push for Champions League football.

While Lingard is in the form of his life once again, tuning up the band with his new West Ham colleagues, his direct competitors are struggling. Jack Grealish has, rather unfortunately, been plagued with an injury that continues to see him sit on the sidelines, which gives Southgate all the more reason not to even bother remembering his name, never mind select him for the squad.

James Maddison, meanwhile, has completely fallen off the pace. The 24-year-old had a lot to do to find a place in the squad ahead of Grealish, Lingard and Phil Foden anyway, but has struggled to maintain the levels required. Injury has again been unkind, but while Lingard is bagging goals for fun, the Leicester attacker is being punished for breaching COVID-19 regulations while injured.

In a tournament scenario where the squad must have each other's backs through thick and thin and play for one another - while also representing the nation - putting someone like Maddison in the squad ahead of Lingard is a risk that Southgate simply doesn't need to take. He has been immense for Leicester this season with his eight goals and seven assists in the league thus far, but still has some maturing to do before he can be relied upon to put in a shift out of position or come up clutch when the country needs him most.

Lingard was a key cog in the machine during England's run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. He featured six times and racked up three goal contributions in the process, while also going the full 120 minutes on two occasions. Not only is he a versatile and reliable member of the squad with obvious qualities, but also a familiar face. Colleagues clearly enjoy his presence and the key to Southgate's England setup feeling so promising is the unity he has managed to create, from players to fans.

This isn't to say that the likes of Maddison and Grealish cannot achieve these same levels. But considering we sit barely two months away from a major tournament and the pair are struggling for fitness and still picking up disciplinary issues, it is glaringly obvious that Lingard is the trusted player that Southgate must pick for the squad.

His form for West Ham cannot be ignored and has come heading into the tournament. Having that calibre of player in the squad while seemingly in full stride is a huge boost for the Three Lions.