SOUTHGATE WILL CALL HIM UP — AFTER RUSSIA

ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate wants to fast-track Ryan Sessegnon into his post-World Cup plans. Sessegnon has a big international future ahead of him, and Southgate is a huge admirer of the talented 17-year-old. So much so that he has already earmarked the teenager for a place in his squad next season, provided he is playing in the Premier League. Fulham are currently third in the Championship and Sessegnon is set to stay at Craven Cottage if Slavisa Jokanovic’s team are promoted. Southgate recognises Sessegnon’s immense talent but wants him to have experience of top-flight football before selecting him. Southgate’s current focus, however, is finalising his 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia. And the England boss wants to give Adam Lallana as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of naming his squad. The Liverpool midfielder has flown to South Africa for an intensive rehabilitation programme on a hamstring injury as he battles to be fit. However, the 29-year-old faces an uphill task to make the squad as he is unlikely to play for Liverpool again this season. Southgate will make regular checks on Lallana, who would be central to his plans if fit, between now and the end of the season, before naming his squad in mid-May. Southgate is concerned that there is a lack of creativity in England’s midfield and the absence of Lallana’s intelligence would prove a major loss. Meanwhile, the Football Association have confirmed that England will play home friendlies against Switzerland and the United States later this year. A venue for the friendly against Switzerland, on September 11, has yet to be decided. The game against the USA will be played at Wembley on November 15.