Tom Ince is fully committed to breaking into England’s senior squad despite his recent U-21 snub and has made his controversial decision for the good of his career, according to his father, Paul.

The 23-year-old was revealed to have told Three Lions U-21 coach Gareth Southgate that he does not wish to be included in his squad for the European Championships this summer earlier this week, placing his international future in jeopardy.

The once Liverpool trainee is currently on loan at Derby from Premier League side Hull, after failing to make a serious impact following his step up to the top tier from Blackpool.

He has been a regular at U-21 level for some time, making 18 appearances for the team.

And Ince Sr. – who represented England on 53 occasions – says that his son has done nothing wrong, and that his decision is based solely on developing as a player and pushing to make Roy Hodgson’s future squads:

“Tom has played 18 times for the Under 21s and really enjoyed it and found it beneficial – so this is not a snub, that’s rubbish,” he told the Daily Mail.

“He is 23 years of age and has already played in the Euros in Israel. He has experienced that, which was great.

‘If he was 20 years old we would not be having this conversation, he would be going to the “uros, no doubt about it.

“But the last year or so from a club point of view has been difficult for him. He’s been all over the place. He went to Hull last summer and has then been on loan at Forest and Derby, where he’s doing well now.

“We forget that he had three years at Blackpool pretty much playing by himself at a young age, and that had an effect.

“He needs to get a good rest and make sure he is ready to go next season. He needs to start finding some stability. He needs to get himself in a position to play regular football in the Premier League.’

“The aim, then, is to make an impact at the KC Stadium next season before bidding for a senior call-up with England.

“Listen, Tom has not snubbed his country. It is the pinnacle of a player’s career to represent your country,’ Ince added. ‘I was captain and am immensely proud of my 53 caps.

“Gareth Southgate said we should be aware of the repercussions. I don’t agree. If Tom is playing regularly next year for Hull and scoring goals like he is for Derby, then he would love to get an England call-up.

“And if he is doing that I see no reason why Roy Hodgson shouldn’t call him up. He’s got a good young squad and Tom would love to be part of it in the future.

“But first of all he needs to get his club career in order. We have looked at the bigger picture. He needs a steady period and he needs to hit the ground running next season.

“If he makes his mark at Hull next year then hopefully we’ll see the benefit of this decision.

“So there is no way I’m saying to Tom, “Don’t play for England”. As a father I would love my son to do what I did and play for his country.”

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