On the right path
then the next Euros in four years time could be really interesting.”
And goalkeeping legend Shilton believes the England boss was also right to cut Hart from the reckoning in place of the international rookies Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jack Butland (Stoke City) and Nick Pope (Burnley).
“Goalkeeping is still about keeping the ball out of the net and organising your defence, but it has become more important with managers wanting to build from the back,” Shilton pointed out.
“Gareth Southgate needs to look to the future and pick the keepers who have played well this season, and I would go for Jordan Pickford as England’s Number One.”
The pair were talking exclusively to the Huddersfield Examiner ahead of a special World Cup Launch dinner at the John Smith’s Stadium on Thursday, June 14.
For more information on the event and to purchase tickets visit the See It Now Sports website. ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has backed Raheem Sterling to come through the controversy surrounding his gun tattoo and stay focused on final preparations for the World Cup.
The 23-year-old Manchester City forward has been under intense scrutiny during the past week after it emerged he had a tattoo of a gun on his right leg.
Sterling explained the new ink in an Instagram post, revealing it is a tribute to his late father.
Southgate was quizzed on Sterling’s tattoo at his press conference yesterday ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Nigeria at Wembley.
“He knows he’s got our support, he understands how some people have perceived the tattoo. But in my view a tattoo is like any work of art. It’s a very individual meaning, the intent is all with the individual and the person,” the England manager said.
“What has been clear by his own statement and his own experiences is that he is not someone who supports or wants to promote guns in the way that was perceived at first.
“It’s something he’s had to get on with this week – but he’s a very strong individual and he’s looking forward to the game.” THE Outlane Spring Bank Medal was won by Patrick O’Flynn with an impressive 41 Stableford points.
Nine players beat the standard of 36 points on a course which was in good condition.
The second place position went to John Laycock with 40 points, who had a better back nine score than John Lawton, who also recorded an eagle on a par four hole which matched another eagle by Jarrad Hazelden (who claimed his on a par five).
Results: 1 Patrick O’Flynn 41 points; 2 John Laycock 40; 3 John Lawton 40; 4 Mark Blackwell 39; 5 David Taylor 37; 6 Mark Clare 37; 7 Jarrad Hazelden 37; 8 Mick Alexander 37; 9 David Ellis 37.