We can’t point finger over racism, warns boss

GARETH SOUTHGATE believes England must get their own house in order before accusing Russia of racism. The England manager said he had been shown vile comments made on social media about black players in one of England’s junior teams. Online trolls posted remarks like ‘Is this England or Senegal?’ and ‘Looks more like Nigeria’ in reference to black England players in a tournament in 2016. Southgate said: ‘I had a really interesting couple of hours with Troy Townsend (from campaign group Kick It Out). He showed a picture of our Under 17s on social media. The comments about that team were disgusting. So when we speak about other countries, I find it difficult to deflect that with what we’ve seen there.’ It is believed an Instagram post from former England captain Steven Gerrard was the target of the abuse in response to an image of the England Under 16 side that included his cousin Bobby Duncan. Southgate, meanwhile, saw Jack Wilshere pull out of England’s squad to face Holland tonight.

MailOnline broke the news that he had not travelled with the squad to Amsterdam after taking a knock to his knee in training yesterday. Southgate said he hopes Wilshere will be available for Tuesday’s friendly against Italy. But Sportsmail understands Wilshere left St George’s Park, returning to Arsenal’s training centre for further assessment. Wilshere was due to start in central midfield tonight alongside Jordan Henderson — who will captain the team. If he fails to prove his fitness before Tuesday’s friendly, he faces a huge battle to secure a place in the World Cup party. And Southgate hinted the 26-year-old may have to look past the tournament in Russia. ‘It’s certainly not an ideal situation for Jack but there’s a bigger picture,’ he said. ‘He’s still a young player who’s come back from serious injuries. Whatever happens over the next few months, there’s a longer future for Jack Wilshere that’s just as important.’ Jordan Pickford will be given the opportunity to stake his claim for the No 1 jersey at the World Cup when he starts tonight.

Sportsmail revealed yesterday the Everton keeper will play. Southgate said: ‘His distribution is certainly a dynamic (we like).’

FORMER Gillingham striker Iffy Onuora has joined England’s Under 21 coaching staff following the FA’s pledge to give more opportunities to black, Asian and minority ethnic coaches.