Surprise as ‘bang in form’ Rangers man ignored

There was more than a touch of surprise when Rangers’ Filip Helander was overlooked in favour of Brentford’s Pontus Jansson by national coach Jan Olof Andersson for last night’s clash with France.

As we revealed before kick off it was a straight choice between the Championship defender and the Rangers man in such good form, and while we suggested it was a toss of the coin, in reality it was surely Helander’s to lose such is the fact he’s far closer to match fitness than Jansson given the latter isn’t even playing ‘real football’ at the moment.

But Jansson started, much to everyone’s surprise instead, and despite playing against the world champions managed a respectable 2 interceptions and 3 clearances, but no tackles at all.

We guess we’re biased, but playing for Rangers is a hell of a lot more demanding than playing for Brentford, with all due respect, and with Helander in the fine form he is, and Jansson not having played competitive first team football since early August (sorry, friendlies just don’t count) it was the Championship man to get the nod.

We know this is a short one, but consider us a little confused by that.