SOUTHGATE PRAISES WIDE MEN

GARETH SOUTHGATE hailed his attacking players after England stuffed Montenegro before singling out Callum HudsonOdoi, who made his first start for the national side. England struck five times after Montenegro had taken an early lead through Marko Vesovic. Michael Keane equalised before Ross Barkley’s brace gave the Three Lions a 3-1 lead. Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling then added gloss but Southgate reserved praise for Hudson-Odoi. The 18-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League for Chelsea but Southgate was impressed with what he saw last night.

‘The game was a simple one in that we talked all week about using the width,’ Southgate said. ‘Our wingers were incredibly productive on the night. It was a fabulous performance from young Callum Hudson-Odoi. This place has been difficult for us. It was a good test of character.’ The England manager said he trusts his younger players to perform when it really matters. He added: ‘I don’t need to speak about Callum — his performance did that. With young players it’s up to them. You can see the

talent. His application has been excellent but like any player you have to work hard to improve.’ Barkley had his best night in an England shirt, adding an assist to his two goals when he set up Keane, and said he was pleased with his display before praising his young Chelsea team-mate. Barkley said: ‘It was a great night for me. Montenegro was always going to be a hard test but we showed character to come back and put in a positive performance. ‘From the first minute of the training sessions Callum HudsonOdoi has been top drawer. He fully deserved the start.’