Southgate understands Zaha’s choice to represent Ivory Coast

England manager Gareth Southgate reckons that he understands Wilfried Zaha’s decision to play for Ivory Coast over the ‘Three Lions’.

The 29-year-old Crystal Palace frontman made his debut for England in November 2012, where he earned two caps – before switching to the country of his birth in 2016.

Zaha was able to switch to his country of birth because both England appearances came in friendlies.

Southgate, who managed Zaha at the under-21 level, insists that the Ivorian international is a very talented player who makes a difference in one’s team.

“He’s a good player playing at a high level every week,” said Southgate.

“He felt the Ivory Coast was the route to go, and I understood that. It’s hard to say what his role might have been with us.

“When we had him with the under-21s, he was in the middle of a very difficult spell both with Manchester United and then on loan with Cardiff.

“I remember being asked at the time – and we were asked about a few different cases – and I said players have to have the desire to play for England.

“That was slightly tweaked a bit, I would say, so that created a little bit of an atmosphere with Wilf and [Palace chairman] Steve Parish for a while.

“That wasn’t an insinuation on Wilf – you couldn’t have a more passionate player as anyone who follows Crystal Palace knows.”

So far, Zaha has amassed 26 caps for ‘The Elephants’.