Politics
Gareth Southgate names Kevin De Bruyne as one player he would want in England squad as Belgian stars at Man City
GARETH SOUTHGATE has named Kevin De Bruyne as the foreign star he’d most like in his England squad.
Southgate‘s revelation came as he recalled KDB‘s Manchester City colleague John Stones in a much-changed 26-man party for three World Cup qualifiers this month.
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And he would love Belgium superstar stylist De Bruyne as a fifth City lion – although ironically KDB’s Etihad team-mate Phil Foden is hoping to cement the England playmaker role.
Southgate was questioned by teenager Olly Miller, a City fan and winner at the FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards.
And asked which non-English player he wished was eligible, a smiling Southgate replied: “Oooh, that’s a good question. Your midfield player is not bad, is he? De Bruyne!”
Southgate’s follow-up observation will be less of a talking point, though.
With Ollie looking forward to City runaway leaders City regaining the title, Southgate said: “Yes, I think it’s done now, isn’t it. “
But Southgate admitted: “Jesse, of the three, is a bit more fortunate to be in.
“Luke and John have performed over a period of time.
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“We’ve got injuries in the attacking areas that have opened up an opportunity for Jesse but, I have to say, his performances for West Ham have been excellent.
“Ideally, you’d be saying you have to do it for a little bit longer but that’s not been the option this time around.”
Aston Villa’s 10-goal striker Ollie Watkins and West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone have earned first-time call-ups as England face San Marino, Albania and Poland.