ENGLAND EGGXIT

Southgate admits he’s having ’horrible’ conversations with players now to warn them they could suffer Euros heartbreak

GARETH SOUTHGATE is already having “horrible conversations” with some players as he prepares to make heartbreaking calls ahead of the Euros.

Southgate revealed he has spoken to several of his stars to let them know where they stand before naming a 23-man squad on June 1.

The likes of Leicester’s James Maddison, Trent Alexander-arnold and Eric Dier (top left) are sweating on their places for the

Euros, with huge competition for places, and England boss Southgate said: “I’ve spoken to a few already so they know where they sit. I think that’s helpful.

“It is, of course, a difficult message, very difficult, and nobody looks forward to that. It will feel worse for the players because it’s a big tournament. Whenever you are delivering that difficult news it’s a horrible conversation to be having.

“I’ve always got to remember that it’s worse for those receiving it than it is for those giving it, so you’ve got to have that empathy with how the players are feeling.

“But you have to manage expectations and have some reality about what they might need to do between now and the end of the season.”

Southgate was part of the 1998 World Cup squad when Paul Gascoigne (above) was famously axed by Glenn Hoddle and wrecked a hotel room, so he’s well aware of the devastation caused for players if they miss out.

UEFA have been discussing letting nations have bigger squads because of the nature of the pandemic, but Southgate has been clear he would prefer just to name 23 as he thinks that helps togetherness and unity.