Southgate bites back at Henderson's critics with "popularity contest" remark
Gareth Southgate insists he will never pick his England team based on a "popularity contest".
Southgate is ready to pick Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips despite them losing their places at their clubs as England only need a point against Italy to clinch their place at the Euros. The Three Lions boss also promised he will never ditch Jordan Henderson from his squad despite the midfielder being booed by England fans following his move to Saudi Arabia.
Southgate, who also urged the fans to stick with the team, said: "I'll always pick the players that I think are the best players to represent the team, that give us the best chance of winning, unless there's something that I feel is not appropriate.
"We would like all the fans behind us. We're a stronger team if the supporters are with us and wholeheartedly supporting the team. That's the connection we've had over a long period of time now. We’ll assess Jordan like every other player. But if I just select on a popularity contest, then our team would look very, very different."
It is the first time England have faced Italy at Wembley since their Euros heartbreak but Southgate insisted the team and he are better now than two years ago when they lost the final. Southgate is also determined to try and reach next summer’s tournament in style and wants to start preparing for the Euros as quickly as possible.
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Southgate added: "In terms of qualifying, we want to keep winning these big matches. It's a great test of where we are up to - they are the games that our players are really excited about. If we can get qualification tomorrow (Tuesday) that's another bonus and we can then start to prepare more firmly for the Euros.
Gareth Southgate is sticking by Henderson (The FA via Getty Images)Do you think Jordan Henderson deserves to be booed? Let us know in the comments below!
"Everybody that played that night two years ago is still available so two years more experience, lots of big games under their belt with us and with their clubs. More examples of winning with their clubs and some big wins with us as well.
"In the last twelve months we have been able to be more front foot and more aggressive in our game. And part of it is the evolution of one or two players as well.
"I’m sure every coach would be saying they are better than six months ago, they know more, are more experienced and have encountered more of the situations. So if you are not improving then I would be questioning what you are doing really."
England probable: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Rice, Phillips; Foden, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
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