Win will boost development says Southgate

GARETH Southgate believes the way England stunned Spain can help change perceptions and fuel development.

If the successes at age-group level and a summer run to the World Cup semi-finals had not captured attention, then the free-flowing football during Monday’s Nations League triumph in Seville might have done the trick.

England ran amok against a Spain side that had never before conceded three goals in a competitive home match – a record broken during a breathtaking first half that saw a Raheem Sterling brace which was complemented by Marcus Rashford.

“I think, especially for young players, it’s important you have real positive experiences,” the England manager said.

“You can go into a team as a youngster and suffer defeats and suffer difficult nights, and that becomes a bit of a reference for you.

“So, it’s important they feel that firstly they can play against the top teams, that they can enjoy their football.”

And the England boss vowed to keep making decisions that embody the “fearless” nature he demands from his players, which may explain the decision to call up Jadon Sancho.

The 18-year-old came on for his debut in place of Sterling in Friday’s goalless draw in Croatia.

“Raheem after the game the other night went straight over to Jadon in the dressing room, congratulating him on his first cap,” Southgate said.

“In training yesterday he was passing advice onto him and that sort of embodies the spirit of the group, which is crucial if we’re going to have any success.”