Gareth Southgate relishes England's blend of youthful joy and senior nous

04-Sep-2020 22:28:45 | Guardian

Manager is delighted to be with his players for the first time since November and looking forward to the double-header with Iceland and Denmark

Gareth Southgate admits that he questioned himself. Which foot does Mason Greenwood, one of the new call-ups to his England squad, prefer to use? “I feel slightly embarrassed,” the England manager said with a smile. “You’ve picked a player for England and you’re not sure which foot he kicks the ball with.”

For the record, Greenwood says that he just about favours the left, although his comfort with the right is part of what makes the Manchester United forward such a special talent. “The way he’s got this icy-cold stare and a very calm disposition generally … I think that’s clear when he’s in and around the penalty box and for somebody of his age, that’s remarkable maturity,” Southgate added.