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 his much-changed 26-man party for three World Cup qualifiers this month.
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!”
But Southgate’s follow-up observation might be less of a talking point.
With Ollie looking forward to runaway leaders City regaining the Premier League title, Southgate said: “Yes, I think it’s done now, isn’t it. “
Along with Stones, Manchester neighbours United have two players back in for England left-back Luke Shaw and West Ham loan hit Jesse Lingard.
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 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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
