2025-10-11 14:48:49
Soham Mukherjee’I can play for England’ – Rangers star sets sights on Three Lions call-up despite domestic struggles as 2026 World Cup loomsRangers star Max Aarons has set his sights on an England call-up despite his domestic struggles as the 2026 World Cup looms. The 25-year-old right-back insists that representing the Three Lions is still the biggest ambition of his career, and he’s determined not to let his early issues in Glasgow derail that vision.
Soham Mukherjee ‘I can play for England’ – Rangers star sets sights on Three Lions call-up despite domestic struggles as 2026 World Cup looms. Rangers star Max Aarons has set his sights on an England call-up despite his domestic struggles as the 2026 World Cup looms. The 25-year-old right-back insists that representing the Three Lions is still the biggest ambition of his career, and he’s determined not to let his early issues in Glasgow derail that vision. Aarons, who joined Rangers from Norwich City in the summer, has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in the Scottish Premiership, with some questioning his adaptation to the physicality and intensity of the league. Yet the former Canaries captain remains steadfast in his belief that his technical ability, tactical awareness, and experience in England’s top flight can reignite his international prospects under Gareth Southgate’s radar.
Aarons’ journey to Ibrox was meant to be a fresh start after enduring a difficult final season at Norwich, where injuries limited his impact during their Premier League relegation battle. His move to Scotland was seen as a strategic step to regain fitness and form in a competitive environment, but early setbacks—including a string of defensive errors and a lack of offensive contribution—have raised doubts among fans and pundits alike. Despite this, the player has privately emphasized his commitment to turning things around, citing the high-stakes nature of Rangers’ Champions League qualifiers and Old Firm derbies as ideal platforms to prove his resilience. Behind the scenes, Aarons has intensified his training regimen, focusing on sharpening his crossing accuracy and defensive positioning to align with manager Michael Beale’s system.
The defender’s ambition to wear the England jersey again is far from unfounded. Aarons earned his first senior call-up in 2022 during Southgate’s experimental squad for World Cup qualifiers, though he remains uncapped at the highest level. With Kyle Walker’s advancing age and James Justin’s recent injury struggles, the path to the 2026 World Cup squad is not entirely blocked for players willing to fight for their place. Aarons’ representatives have reportedly been in discreet contact with the Football Association to highlight his long-term commitment to breaking into the national team setup, stressing that his current Rangers stint is a temporary hurdle rather than a career dead end. Southgate, known for valuing players with mental fortitude, may take note if Aarons can produce standout performances in European competitions this season.
Critics argue that Aarons’ focus should solely be on stabilizing his club form before entertaining international dreams. However, the player’s unwavering confidence reflects a deeper understanding of modern football’s interconnected landscape—where viral highlight reels and continental exposure can sometimes outweigh domestic inconsistency. For now, every tackle, overlapping run, and defensive recovery Aarons makes at Ibrox carries added weight, not just for Rangers’ ambitions but for his personal quest to join Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and the next generation of English stars on football’s grandest stage. As the 2026 World Cup cycle accelerates, time is both his ally and adversary, but Max Aarons refuses to concede the dream.
