Southgate urges England understudies to seize chance against Australia
The HinduGareth Southgate has urged England’s understudies to seize their chance to impress in Friday’s friendly against Australia at Wembley. “It’s one of the great sporting rivalries, and if Australia have any sniff that we’re not taking the game seriously, then we will be in trouble,” the England manager told reporters on Friday. “Most importantly, we have got good players, and we need to have them in positions on the field where they can do their best work and feel comfortable, positions they play with their clubs so that the transfer is as smooth as possible.” Jarrod Bowen will be hoping for a chance as the West Ham winger returns to the England set-up for the first time since September 2022. Chelsea defender Levi Colwill could make his debut, while uncapped Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah and in-form Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins will hope to prove a worthy back-up to England captain Harry Kane. “I think one of the things we always want to do is to make playing for England enjoyable,” Southgate said of his selection plans.