Southgate warns all his established stars that they must get past... THE NEW FREE INSIDE SANSATIONS

GARETH SOUTHGATE has warned England’s absent stars that they will face a fight to get back into his Three Lions team.

The 5-0 thrashing of Czech Republic on Friday by Southgate’s young cubs was a massive statement to the international elite following last summer’s World Cup semi-final appearance.

And Southgate reckons it also sent out a clear message that players who withdraw from his squad do so at their own peril.

Jadon Sancho was electric on his first start while impressive debuts from subs Declan Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi have put established England internationals on notice.

Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Montenegro, Southgate said: “We’ve got competition for places.

“Attacking players mature very young, anyway – and

they can go in very young. So it’s not an issue to play them.”

Man United trio Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Jesse Lingard, along with Man City’s John Stones and Fabian Delph, all missed the opening Euro 2020 qualifier through injury.

Had either Rashford or Lingard been available, Chelsea winger Hudson Odoi, 18, would not have been promoted from the Under 21s to the senior squad. But that late call-up has turned into a great – if slightly lucky call – from Southgate (above).

“We’re a bit fortunate in finding him in this camp,” said the Three Lions boss.

“But already he’s proved he can more than cope in this environment.”

As for Bayern Munich’s pursuit of the Blues teenager, Southgate said: “Given Chelsea could have a restriction on signing players, if he continues at this level, opportunities will come.

“He’s got some outstanding players just in front of him, but he’s slowly getting more and more game time.

“There’s no need for him to rush.”