Southgate: We need a full English

THREE LIONS BOSS URGES CLUBS TO PLAY HIS YOUNG STARS

GARETH SOUTHGATE has pleaded with Premier League clubs to give England’s kids a chance.

The Three Lions boss warned his feelgood revival of the national team could be brief unless young players are given top-flight experience.

And after naming his first squad since reaching the World Cup semi-final, Southgate admitted he may soon have to dip into the Championship for players.

“One of our biggest concerns is playing time for

English players – young players that may be coming through to challenge are not getting opportunities to play,” he said. “I can’t rule out players in the Championship now as our pool is getting smaller and smaller.”

Last weekend, only 30 per cent of Premier League starters were eligible for England selection and less than 20 per cent have started for the Big Six over the first three rounds of fixtures.

Southgate, who resisted blooding the likes of Manchester City’s highly-rated teenage midfielder Phil Foden (above), added: “It’s not that the talent isn’t there. We’ve shown with the Under-17 world champions, with the U-20 world champions and at the senior World Cup there are good English players.

“We have some very exciting youngsters that, if we are not careful, we’ll lose without those opportunities.”