BRUTE- ONE FOOTBALL

Southgate got tough with some big-name stars as he starts a youthful revolution with his young Lions

IT WAS the day Gareth Southgate got tough.

He delivered the news typically – with an iron fist in a velvet glove – his hushed and calm tones almost disguising the fact that he was ending a few England careers and bringing down big-name reputations.

Southgate took the unusual step of ringing round a number of players – who he was either calling up or leaving out of his squad – for the friendlies with Germany and Brazil.

The most brutal call was to Manchester United’s Chris Smalling, telling him he was not good enough at bringing the ball out of defence.

It left the Reds’ defender fearing his international days are over, while Southgate is in charge, as it is hard to see a return for a player who has also been criticised by Jose Mourinho for “not being able to play out from the back”.

The England boss did not hold back on Jack Wilshere, either, suggesting he has struggled with injuries for eight years.

Southgate also had severe messages for Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain, Daniel Sturridge and Jermain Defoe as he dumped big names and reputations to start a youth revolution, with only two outfield players over 30.

Here is Southgate explaining exactly why he wielded the axe...