Southgate putting emphasis on young England talent

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SteemSports Presenter: @mojorisin

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SteemSports Editor: @ldauch

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Many people were shocked, surprised or even outraged when Gareth Southgate was handed the reigns at England. It’s arguably the most scrutinised job in world football, and with England’s constant failures since 1966, it’s also one of the most pressurised jobs. But, what has he done to deserve one of the most prestigious and highest paid jobs in world football?

Southgate has only managed Middlesboro and the England U21s. He got the Middlesboro job without having the requisite UEFA coaching licence, necessary to coach in the Premier League. Two years later Middlesboro were relegated under Southgate’s guidance. He also managed the England U21s where he didn’t overly impress either. And now he is the man in charge of the nation’s hopes.

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Loftus-Cheek impressed on debut against Germany

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It appears that England are going in a completely different direction under Southgate. Gone are the days when managers picked players on reputation instead of form, and the emphasis is on blooding youngsters, and it’s quite refreshing to see.

Against Germany on Friday, Southgate fielded five England debutants: Joe Gomez, Tammy Abraham and Jack Cork played their part, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jordan Pickford impressing highly in their first cap for their country, against the world champions.

England were rather uninspiring in the World Cup qualifying. Yes they won the group and so they should have, but some limp performances put Southgate under more scrutiny. And now with the World Cup only 7 months away, the Three Lions manager has some important decisions to make.

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Tammy Abraham got his 1st cap for ENgland v Germany

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He has only three more games before he selects his squad for the World Cup in May, and his approach of trying out with youth isn’t just a departure from the qualifying campaign but something we have never seen from any coach. Five debutants is a lot in one game.

For me, what he’s doing is really admirable. He was honest in his own assessment of the qualifying campaign, and now he’s kind of started again and given every English player the belief that they will play for England if they’re on form. And players with reputation now have the fear of being dropped if they’re not performing. Like Chris Smalling for example.

Everyone thought it was harsh, and that Smalling hadn’t played too badly for England, but the way Harry Maguire and John Stones have played, nobody can argue with Southgate’s selections. Although, it’s important not to get carried away.

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Southgate has been bold in selection for England

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Reuben Loftus-Cheek was excellent against Germany, but he's only played 12 Premier League matches in his whole career, and no doubt some people are thinking we have the next Steven Gerrard. We have to realise that these youngsters are nowhere near the finished article, and if they make it on the plane to Russia, good for them, and for us as supporters.

Dominic Solanke has been called up despite only making 7 appearances for Liverpool, and that’s before his teammate Daniel Sturridge. Lewis Cooke of Bournemouth has been called up ahead of Jack Wilshere, who is back playing for Arsenal, so this shows that Southgate is preffering to test youngsters before reputation.

The FA have wanted this approach by an England manager, as their ‘England DNA’ blueprint was designed to identify and promote the best young talent the country has to offer, and encourage form not reputation, while also easing the ever increasing scrutiny and pressure of wearing the England jersey.

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Southgate isn't picking players just on reputation

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It’s a very bold and interesting approach by Southgate. Yes, it’s only friendlies - some might say, but we never saw this from any coach before. Football is a cutthroat business, and the England manager’s job is a lucrative but highly expectant role, and I take my hat off to Southgate for trying something everyone before him, didn’t dare.

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