Southgate explains team selection; close Foden, Greenwood chapter



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Publication date: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 10:40 AM

England boss Gareth Southgate explained his reasoning behind what many perceived to be negative team selection, while Jack Grealish admitted that his long-awaited debut had thrilled him.

England disappointed for the second time in four days, but this time they were made to settle for a draw in Denmark.

Offering a defense for his team’s selection that did not lend itself to fluid soccer, South Gate told Sky Sports: “I learned a lot.

“We tested a new system in which we will improve. We wanted to start with stability.

“We could probably have been a bit higher in terms of our attacking threat in the first half, but we were in control and that’s not surprising given where the players are.

“In the second half we started to speed up the game with the changes we made when we felt in control. Mason [Mount] and Jack [Grealish] in midfield it made us think more about the future.

“I’m very impressed with the guys who made their debut and the three behind us today were very solid.”

“We seemed very confident and defensively, that’s a great platform to build on. We will seek to develop it for a higher quality opposition.

“We are still learning about Declan [Rice] and Kalvin [Phillips]. For 15 minutes, it took both a while to get going. I think it gave us stability.

“We made changes to speed it up and be more progressive, but Mason [Mount] she’s never played that role before, so she’s asking him to do something she’s never done. “

On the lack of a left-hander: “But where is that player? I think [Kieran] Trippier has had two great games for us. [Ben] Chilwell is injured, Shaw is injured, Danny [Rose] He hasn’t really been involved with the Spurs at this point. We adapted in the best way we could. “

Regarding the recent transgressions of Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood, Southgate added: “I have spoken to both of them when I said yesterday that they know what happened is unacceptable both at Covid and, as I have learned more details, on any basis. Either way they would have gone home.

“The consequence has been there and now they need support. Everyone is getting into them. They need help to rebuild. They understand the expectations of being an England player. We must help young people to recover. “

On whether Greenwood or Foden could return in the October international break: “You have to build a lot of trust first. My way of thinking is not to hurt these guys anymore. “

Aston Villa Talisman Jack grealish he finally made his long-awaited England debut as a late substitute, revealing that the occasion had been something he had dreamed of when he was young.

“I was actually a little excited,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s something you dream of. Everybody dreams of playing for England since childhood.

“It was a privilege to arrive and it’s a shame that we couldn’t get the victory in the end. I want to thank Gareth [Southgate] for giving me the opportunity and I hope it is the first of many.

“They told me to warm up and I stayed there for 10, 15 minutes until I got the call. When I did, it was obviously a brilliant moment for me. I’m sure I’ll get a few messages, but it’s obviously a brilliant day for me and one of the best of my career so far.

“It’s my first game and I’m happy with how my debut went and, as I say, I hope it’s the first of some. I have enjoyed every minute. Everyone has made me feel welcome here. “

On Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood: “I’ve tried not to do too much research. They are young children who will learn. It’s my first England camp and I just focused on myself and tried to impress the coach.

“They are both bright children and I am sure they will learn from what they have done.”



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