Solanke: It’s great Gareth is giving youth a chance

GARETH SOUTHGATE spoke to England’s Under 21s about their pathway to the seniors on Tuesday evening, having only landed back from Montenegro at 5am that day. The England manager was in Bournemouth to watch Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions, who lost for the first time in 20 games courtesy of a controversial stoppage-time goal by Germany. Boothroyd’s side are preparing to play at the Under 21 European Championship this summer and Southgate, along with assistant Steve Holland, has shown a keen interest in England’s youth. Dominic Solanke, who started as captain for the first time, believes Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi prove there is a clear pathway into the senior squad. That was the message from Southgate on Tuesday and Bournemouth striker Solanke said: ‘Everyone knows the great job that Gareth is doing. He’s been a manager at this level so he knows what the Under 21s are about. It was really nice for him to watch the game, especially after his side played on Monday night. He likes to stay connected with us, which is what you want. ‘There is a pathway and that’s what the boys are aiming for. We’re always trying to impress, especially Gareth when we’re playing, and hopefully more of the boys can go up as well.’ Germany’s Lukas Nmecha, the Manchester City youngster on loan at Preston, represented England at every youth level. The 20-year-old featured for the Germans on Tuesday having received his clearance 10 minutes before kick-off. Despite his Young Lions history, Nmecha says he would have no problem knocking England out of the Euros this summer and that Germany have welcomed him with open arms. He said: ‘I chose Germany because it is where I was born. It’s just one of those decisions a player has to make but I had to think hard and long about it.’