England coach Gareth Southgate is confident several members of his squad will “announce themselves” on the global stage at this summer’s World Cup.
The former Middlesbrough boss named a relatively young squad on Wednesday, with the likes of Joe Hart, Ryan Bertrand and Jack Wilshere all missing out.
Southgate is taking an inexperienced squad to Russia but he hopes his players can deliver when it matters.
Michael Owen made a name for himself at the age of 18 in 1998 and the England coach is hoping his team can follow suit.
Southgate, who was alongside Owen in the England squad in France 20 years ago, said: “Michael was 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 forever.
“There are so many possible players in this group that it could be that moment for – from John Stones and Harry Maguire, to Ruben (Loftus-Cheek) to Dele Alli, to Raheem Sterling.
“Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford – there are any number of them that could announce themselves.”
England will take on Nigeria and Costa Rica in friendlies before the World Cup before they face Tunisia in their first Group G game on June 18.
They then do battle with Panama before ending their group stage against Roberto Martinez’s Belgium. Despite naming a youthful squad, England are 17.00 to win the World Cup with Dafabet.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet