Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is confident Danny Drinkwater will put his Euro 2016 disappointment behind him and showcase his talents on the European club stage this season.
Drinkwater was an integral part of the Foxes’ title-winning side last term, playing 35 Premier League games and scoring two crucial goals against Stoke City and Chelsea.
The 26-year-old was rewarded with a call-up to England’s squad for the friendlies before Euro 2016 but the midfielder was then overlooked for the final 23-man party for the tournament in France.
Leicester started their title defence with a disappointing 2-1 defeat away at Hull last Saturday and the Ranieri’s men have already drifted out to 41.00 to retain their crown.
Drinkwater didn’t enjoy the greatest of games at KCOM Stadium and there were claims the disappointment on missing out on Euro 2016, along with some deserved celebrations over summer, had taken their toll.
But Ranieri is adamant the former Manchester United youth player has the mental strength to respond and possibly earn a place back in the Three Lions squad.
“I think if the player has a very good Champions League then maybe. Maybe he has a good chance,” the Italian said.
“That would be a very good show against the best teams in Europe.”
Leicester City are back in action on Saturday when they welcome Arsenal, who suffered an opening loss to Liverpool, to the King Power Stadium.
The hosts are 2.88 to pick up their first win, the draw is priced at 3.30 while the Gunners, who defeated the Foxes twice last season, are 2.38 favourites.
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