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ENGLISH football’s original wonderkid has warned Gareth Southgate about ‘tossing international caps’ at today’s golden generation of youngsters.
Trevor Francis, an overnight sensation at 16 after scoring four goals for Birmingham City, has issued a word of warning to Three Lions’ chief Southgate (below) over the likes of Dominic Solanke, Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-odoi.
Francis, whose nickname was ‘Superboy’, did not collect the first of 52 international caps – against Holland in 1977, aged 23 – until after more than 200 League appearances.
And on the release of his autobiography, One In A Million, this week, Francis said: “It’s the exact opposite nowadays.
“Yes, these are exciting times and Southgate has been courageous in his team selection. He is prepared to give youngsters an opportunity.
“But I don’t like to see too many of them playing for their country after making just half-a-dozen club appearances.
“For me, playing for England was incredibly special, and I’m not just talking about the World Cup or qualifiers. I don’t want England caps being tossed around. You have to earn the right.”
Francis, 64, whose beloved wife since 1974, Helen Francis, died two years ago this month, is able to offer one insider tip to today’s wonderkids for a successful life in the game.
He said: “My really good fortune was meeting Helen. I’m not telling young players ‘go out and get married’ – but having such a good down-to-earth girl beside me was an incredible help to my football career.”
Francis became the first player transferred for £1million when he left St Andrew’s to join Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest. He recalled: “Clough was a true one-off. There are countless stories.
“For instance, Brian did not like his centre-halves dwelling on the ball, he wanted it played forwards.
“One game at the City Ground, Kenny Burns passed the ball square across his own penalty box. Clough ordered someone to go straight to his office and tell his secretary to write a letter to Kenny immediately.
“When Kenny came in at half-time he was handed the letter – it was a fine for passing across the area.”
‘One In A million’ – Trevor Francis’s autobiography – is released this week by Biteback Publishing