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England neglected Wilfried Zaha and must learn lessons after losing him to the Ivory Coast, insists Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish

England must learn from Wilfried Zaha's switch to the Ivory Coast and 'love' and nurture prospects from smaller clubs, according to Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Zaha, 24, played two friendlies for England and represented them at age group levels but reverted to the country of his birth in time for January's African Nations Cup.

England manager Gareth Southgate has pledged to focus on players who are 'desperate to play for England' as he addresses the dual-nationality question.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha opted to play for the Ivory Coast, rather than England
Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha opted to play for the Ivory Coast, rather than England
But prior to that, he played two friendlies and age group football for England
But prior to that, he played two friendlies and age group football for England

But Parish declared himself devastated to see a 'ludicrous' talent slip away and called for a fresh approach.