UP FOR GRABS
HOLLAND v ENGLAND Gareth urges new kids to stake their claim
GARETH SOUTHGATE has urged his England novices to seize the moment and book a seat on the plane to Russia.
Southgate has just four games remaining before naming his squad for this summer’s World Cup, starting with tonight’s clash with Holland in the Amsterdam Arena.
The Three Lions boss knows the clock is ticking before heading east for his date with destiny and the chance to shine on the biggest stage of all.
Southgate has not been afraid to experiment with raw talent since taking the job in 2016 and has continued to call up uncapped stars.
Fringes
The likes of Joe Gomez, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Harry Maguire, Tammy Abraham, Lewis Cook and Jack Cork have all been handed call-ups.
Most of those might still be considered to be on the fringes of things when it comes to the England set-up.
But Southgate insists no-one should think they are coming along for the ride just to make up the numbers.
He has made it clear that places in his final squad are still up for grabs and has urged everyone to take the chance of a lifetime and make it to Russia.
Southgate said: “We are really intrigued to see which players step forward and claim the ® from JEREMY CROSS in Amsterdam spots, really. It’s an exciting period. We’re seeing players like the defenders we’ve brought in this week settle in no problem and play out from the back comfortably. “Lewis Cook looks totally at ease in the squad. So it’s not a concern. It’s how far can we go and who can be the best players? “You have to choose those who can perform in the summer. But it’s exciting what we can do over the next few years as a team. “I’ve not brought anyone into this squad to make up the numbers. Everyone here has a serious opportunity to go to the World Cup.” Southgate (left) admits that previous England stars have been more concerned with being cautious than creative. He knows the aura that surrounds the most famous shirt in English football has proved too daunting for some. But Southgate has urged his lion cubs to be brave, express themselves and have the belief needed to be the best. Southgate will start with Pickford in goal tonight behind an expected back three, with Jordan Henderson leading the side.
He added: “I’ll make a decision as we go through the week but I’ve already learned a lot about them in terms of how they have settled in and what they can bring.
“Nothing has surprised me. That’s why I selected them and studied them very closely with their clubs.
Temptation
“I can remember speaking with Harry Maguire after his first game with us. The temptation in the first game is that you go out not to make a mistake.
“That’s fine as a starting point for you but what I really want to see is you go out and play as you do for your club, and at a level I believed you can perform at.
“If you go out there just not to make mistakes, then you’ll make one – and also you’ll not be as good as you can be.
“The players have to go out and just go for it, believe in the ability they have.
“There was a difference with Harry in November, bringing the ball out, marking some of the best forwards in the world and playing without the inhibition we need to avoid. That’s been the difference.”