Southgate: Be brave with talent

GARETH Southgate has urged Premier League managers to be brave enough to give the next generation of England internationals a chance to prove their worth.

Southgate’s side reached the last four at the World Cup finals with a young squad and, with England having been crowned world champions at under-17 and under-20s levels, he is confident there is more to come.

After the squad’s flight back from St Petersburg landed in Birmingham, Southgate said: “We now have players who I think can stand on their on two feet in the Premier League against other players from around the world and they have proved that on a world stage at different age groups.

“Yet, of course, managers need time. I was given an opportunity here to blood younger players in this tournament and they have proved they could perform at a really good level.

“Managers at clubs need time as well - and they also have to be brave enough to take those decisions if they think it is the right thing for the long term.”

Many of England’s players have returned with their reputations enhanced - Southgate highlighting the contributions of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Leicester defender Harry Maguire and Tottenham full-back Kieran Trippier.

He added: “Some players we took who only had a handful of caps before the tournament have come back better players, more rounded individuals.”