‘Burst on to world stage ... like Owen’

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN

GARETH SOUTHGATE has challenged his young Russiabound World Cup stars to put their name in lights – just like Michael Owen did in France ’98.

The Three Lions boss believes opportunity beckons for one of his stars – such as Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard or John Stones – to seize the moment and become a global star on the biggest stage.

Owen took the 1998 World Cup by storm with his stunning goal against Argentina, and Southgate reckons any one of his talented group could star in the Greatest Show on Earth and cement their reputation.

Southgate, who was in Glenn Hoddle’s squad in France 20 years ago, said: “There are so many players in this group that could make it their moment.

“I was involved in 1998 and David Beckham and Michael Owen didn’t start the first game – they were both left out.

“By the end of it, they were the two headline-grabbers. It was for slightly different reasons, but I think Michael was only 18 at the time.

“You perform in a World Cup and that announces you to the world. That’s the beauty of playing in an England shirt.

“You have the chance to make history in games that really matter and that people will remember for ever.”

Southgate aimed his message at Tottenham star Alli in particular. There are questions over the 22-year-old playmaker, who was only a substitute against Holland in March and did not feature in the last game against Italy.

“From John Stones and Harry Maguire to Ruben Loftuscheek to Raheem. Harry, Rash, Jesse – there are any number that could announce themselves,” said Southgate.

“And I am sure Dele will feel that is part of what he wants to do, for sure.

“We are always trying to get the best from all of the players and, in March, I didn’t start him, but I said after that game that he is a player that should and, I am sure, will have a big impact for us.

“Dele is an outstanding player already and he’s going to get better because of his age and desire. He has that hunger.

“It shouldn’t be that anybody is a guaranteed starter, no matter how they play.

“He is still only 22, so it is nothing and his numbers are ahead of where Steven Gerrard and others were at his age.

“When you look at his number of goals and assists this year, he is right up there, certainly in terms of English players and within the league.

“His huge strength is arriving in the box at the right moment and scoring goals – he smells opportunity.”

Flexibility

Southgate has revealed he already knows his starting lineup to face Tunisia in the Volgograd Arena on June 18, providing all his stars are fit.

“Yes, we know who we would select if the game was tomorrow, but that is always a moveable feast,” he said.

“It’s really competitive, which allows us a bit more flexibility in selection.

“I think there is also an opportunity for people to play their way in.

“We’ve viewed the players, but we don’t know how they will report.

“Maybe there will be a couple of physical injury issues.”

TUNISIA and Panama will be no mugs in Russia, according to Gareth Southgate. The unfancied duo are England’s rivals, along with Belgium, in Group G – but Southgate says they will be well-organised as the Three Lions try to get to the knock-out stage. He said: “There is a clear style of play with both, Tunisia really connect well with the ball, they keep possession extremely well. I think they are going to surprise people. Tunisia play good football at every opportunity and don’t give the ball away cheaply. ”Panama are strong and resilient, with the pride of a nation qualifying for the first time. They came through a group where they knocked out the USA. They have talked about there being a national holiday if they get a result in the game with us. Playing for England, in those sorts of games, everybody wants to beat you.”