GODFREY TARGETS WORLD CUP ON GARETH’S GATEWAY

GARETH SOUTHGATE has identified a clear pathway for England’s young stars... that leads all the way to the World Cup finals.

That is the message from Everton’s developing defender Ben Godfrey (above), who just missed out on the final squad for the Euros, but is now aiming for Qatar in 2022.

Godfrey made a compelling case to be included in Southgate’s squad for the European Championship with his versatility, but just missed out, despite a strong season for the

Blues in a variety of positions.

Now, though, he says the slate is already wiped clean, with the international boss making it clear he will give chances to the young players in form.

And, for Godfrey (above, with Southgate), that fight starts right now.

“For every young English player, the Euros have gone now, you have to pick up form for your club and put yourself in contention to be involved in the World Cup,” explained the 23-year-old.

“In previous years, for young players, it’s been really hard to break into the squad.

“But the manager has given young players that pathway now, it’s become a realistic goal to be involved and play regular football.

There are lads who have been in the Under-21s and found a way into the senior squad.

“It gives you the realistic goal to aim for that and achieve it.

“The main focus is performing for your club, then your talent and ability will be recognised.” But, like every member of the England squad, he was sickened by the racist abuse aimed at the England trio who missed penalties in the shootout at the end of the final against Italy.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were targeted on social media with disgusting attacks, and Godfrey says that shows the England squad must continue their fight against racism.

“Sad as it is, it was always coming. That is the world we are living in at the minute. You expected it to happen and it shouldn’t be like that,” he said.

“Every black player has experienced it.

“We have to do every single bit we can to try to change the situation we are in and it is going to take a lot of hard work and educating people to do that.

“We will consistently try to turn it around and change that. We won’t stop until the world is a far better place and these things stop happening.”