James Justin is determined to grasp this opportunity to “play at the pinnacle” having earned a first England call-up shortly after recovering from the serious knee injury that kept him out for almost a year.
Gareth Southgate turned to the versatile Leicester full-back for June’s four Nations League fixtures as Euro 2020 left-backs Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw remain sidelined.
Justin had been close to a call-up at the start of last year, with the England manager saying he had “been as good as any full-back in the country” before injury struck.
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The 24-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament last February, leading to a 49-week lay-off that meant he missed the Foxes’ unforgettable FA Cup win and a shot at Southgate’s Euros selection.
“I think I was out for 10 months with my knee and it was some of the hardest times, as every footballer knows,” Justin said.
“With those days when you’re watching the lads on the training pitch, you’re just jealous, champing at the bit, waiting to get back.
“(Missing the FA Cup final) was another hard thing because I had a similar thing when I was at Luton. I was on the bench when we got promoted.
“It’s one of those feelings like you’re happy for everyone, but not to be out there is a bit gutting.
“I was at Wembley. I was four months in, I’d say, so obviously I had no chance of getting there. But it was tough to see the success of the team without me.
“But I just thought when I got back we’re going to be flying and hopefully next season we can do something similar.”
Looking sharp, feeling sharper ✊ pic.twitter.com/KYPA74KcpO
— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 30, 2022
Justin returned from the knee injury in January and went onto play 19 times in all competitions for Leicester.
Southgate viewed March’s internationals as too soon for the 24-year-old as he worked up to full fitness, but the full-back has been…
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