Gareth Southgate will use England’s friendly against Australia as an opportunity to experiment and help his team gain momentum ahead of Euro.
The England coach, who hinted that there could be initial selections for Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah on Friday night at Wembley, wants to make sure he has players capable of challenging his regulars.
“We have to give people opportunities,” Southgate said. “We have six games left before we can name a team for a European Championship, in all likelihood. So if people have a chance to work their way into this team or this team, we have to play against them.
“And even if you keep a team and the spirit of a team together, people need a Chance to play to really be part of it. This is an important night for many players – you will realize that. Likewise, we have to give them the best chance of success and find the right balance and make sure that the players are in positions that they feel comfortable with and a team that can function.”
Southgate needs to keep England fresh ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier against Italy, but he acknowledges the game against Australia will be key for some people establishing themselves in the squad.
“We want to see as much as we can from the team This week,” he said. “It is possible that we will have even more games, but there is a reality with England that you have to take your chances when they come. As a former player, you knew the moments when you felt: “OK, I have to deliver tonight.’”
Southgate has been pleased with his side’s performances since the World Cup, but warned his players that Australia would have a point to prove. He recalled the joy of Australia during the 3-1 victory over England in a friendly match.
“We have spoken to the players about the sporting rivalry in the middle of England and Australia and we know what that means. I played with a lot of Australians and when they defeated us at Upton Park, they came back to Middlesbrough pretty quickly and [Mark] Schwarzer had an exploding kangaroo under his arm and he was making hay out of it.
“I guess I have to keep telling our players before these games: “listen guys, this is another country that doesn’t like us very much, so get ready, they want to make hay and hit us.”They will be very motivated. I know [Australian Manager] Graham Arnold well. They’re an athletic team, they performed really well, so it’s going to be a really good Test. We have to be ready.”
