England manager Gareth Southgate says the strong competition for places in his squad is giving him a big selection headache as he prepares to make more changes for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Hunga
Southgate made good use of his squad as a number of fringe players featured in Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Andorra.
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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Southgate said: “We will definitely make changes. We have got a very strong squad.
“We want the squad to feel involved and it is important they know they are valued.”
He added: “I was really pleased with the quality of the performance against Andorra as well as the application. We are hitting a really consistent level of performance, which is great to see.”
Southgate was asked if the outstanding performance of Phil Foden in midfield against Andorra had given him a selection headache.
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“I have a headache and I commit a crime every time I pick a team,” he said. “It is very difficult every time.
“We have so many good players and such good, strong competition for places. There were lots of players that did their own confidence and their own reputations a lot of good and that is pleasing to see.”
Mount on Ballon d’Or nomination: ‘It shows everything pays off’
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Southgate was joined for media duties by midfielder Mason Mount, who was last week named among the nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fine year after winning the Champions League with Chelsea and helping England to the Euro 2020 final.
Mount said of his nomination: “It was special. To see that and to be alongside those names is obviously a dream. For all the years you work hard, dedicate and see something like that, it shows everything pays off. It is just the start, it doesn’t stop now.”
Asked if he felt he had a chance of winning the award, Mount said: “I doubt it but you never know. The most important thing for me is that I keep trying to hit the levels that I have set before and go even further.”
Southgate: I commit a crime every time I pick a team
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