Gareth Southgate has told England hopefuls they must "earn the right" to break into a group hellbent on winning next year's European Championship. The 52-year-old's early selections always had an accent on youth and sometimes surprised, yet Ivan Toney is the only player to have made their senior bow this season.
Newcastle United's Callum Wilson was omitted from the most recent squad, having been included in the World Cup party in Qatar, but has since returned to scintillating form for the Magpies, blasting eight goals in the month of April alone. Meanwhile, team-mate Joe Willock has been tipped by many for consideration, with the former Arsenal man a key member of the United midfield which has stormed the top four this season.
Southgate understandably kept with the tried and tested as Euro 2024 qualification got under way just 103 days after their World Cup quarter-final exit, but June appears a good chance to experiment. England sit atop of Group C after beating holders Italy and Ukraine in March, taking the heat off the straightforward-looking doubleheader against Malta and North Macedonia.
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And Southgate had a message for the likes of Wilson, Willock and any others trying to break into his squad.
"If we're going to have a look at players, they've got to earn the right," Southgate told the PA news agency. "First and foremost, we've got to win the two matches and I think we've always given people opportunities at the right time.
"That's why the team has had a youthful look over the years and it's why new players have been able to come through and we've been able to evolve the team over a period of time. We'll always look to give people opportunities, but they have to be earned."
Rather than a chance to experiment, Southgate sees June as an opportunity for his players to show their commitment to the collective goal of Euro 2024 glory. Many will not have played for almost three weeks when England travel to Malta, but winning there and at home to North Macedonia will see them take a giant stride towards the finals in Germany.
"We're in the middle of a qualifying campaign that we've started well and we need to make sure that we take full advantage of the start that we've had," Southgate said. "All of our discussions as a team have been about wanting to be European champions - what that's going to take, what that means in terms of commitment, what that means in terms of quality.
"So, every time we get together - we're only going to have four or five camps before a European Championship - we have to make the most of every day that we're working."
That commitment to work, and one another, has been key in England's eye-catching rise from Euro 2016 embarrassment to within penalty kicks of winning the last edition at Wembley. Every starter from the final remains heavily involved, with the players' proven ability to perform for their country and shared experiences part of the reason why Southgate has not trialled as many new players of late.
"There's that element (that they have proven it)," he said. "And also when you're building a team, it's about the experiences that you share together. When you're in the last 10 minutes away in Naples and you're down to 10 men, that camaraderie and spirit that comes from being a close team is what gets you over the line. We constantly have to build on that.
"That's why those guys that have been together such a long time, it's more than just how they might be playing at any one given time with their club or it's more than just the ability they might have. It's everything that comes together and June is another moment where we have to do that."
That does not mean Southgate is resting on his laurels with Euro 2024 coming into focus as he believes "any team is constantly in a period of flux", with the constant highs and lows of individual emotions feeding into the wider picture.
"We talk about culture within teams a lot, but I think that has to be constantly worked at and it will be constantly challenged," the 57-cap former defender said. "Although I think, generally speaking, this team have shown tremendous progress and they do get on really well, I don't take it as a given that that's going to happen in the next camp or next season because you can never switch off.
"The best teams are constantly challenging themselves and are ready for the challenge that everybody else around them is providing."
Southgate shared his views on teamwork, competition and confidence with students during a surprise appearance to a Leeds school to support Channel 4's efforts to inspire the next generation of broadcast professionals. The England boss held a mock press conference as part of the 4Schools initiative and spent time speaking with each of the 30 students after the event at Lawnswood School.
"When you're playing for the national team, you're representing everybody, you have the chance to bring people together," Southgate said. "And, without a doubt, because of the position we hold we can make a difference to people's lives.
"So, I understand that when I come to an event like this you do have the opportunity to inspire people or to bring some enjoyment to their day. But also, I think we can all remember what it was like for us at their age and the things that worried you, and the things that you find out later are things that you shouldn't worry about. So, to try and give some perspective that hopefully will give them something to think about when they go away."
Gareth Southgate was with Channel 4 in partnership with 4Schools at Lawnswood School in Leeds to inspire students interested in sports journalism
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