Southgate: Hudson-Odoi ready to start for England

Gareth Southgate says he has no doubt Callum Hudson-Odoi is ready to make his England debut.

The Chelsea prospect, 18, was this week promoted to the senior squad for the games against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford being injured means Hudson-Odoi and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho are in contention to play.

And England boss Southgate has insisted he will have no qualms about handing either youngster a starting place.

“They’ve been exceptional in training. They look like they’ve been with us forever,” Southgate said.

“Throughout the age groups they’ve been very similar in their development.

“Jadon has obviously had more big-match experience and has been with the senior (England) team a bit longer. But Callum has fitted in brilliantly.

“I won’t hesitate to start either of them. They’re ready. They can play, no problem, for us.”

Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek is among the players to have withdrawn from the squad because of injury.

“We’ve lost a lot of players, but it’s an opportunity for others,” Southgate said.

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