Gareth Southgate explains decision behind surprise Glen Johnson England call-up

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 03 October 2016

England interim boss Gareth Southgate says that he gave Glen Johnson a surprise call-up to the senior side because he wants more experience in a young side.

England interim manager Gareth Southgate has explained that Glen Johnson received a surprise call-up to the squad in order to provide experience.

The Stoke City full-back has been named on the squad sheet for World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia.

Johnson has not represented his country since 2014 and has only made three Premier League appearances this season because of injury troubles.

Southgate believes that the 32-year-old will help balance out a young team that lack "big match experience".

"In the past we've gone young, young, young and I'm not sure we can keep doing that," the caretaker boss said in a press conference. "At key pressure moments there's a lack of big-match experience.

"At this moment in time, to be able to bring a player in with 50-plus caps was the right decision."

Southgate, whose full-time job is as manager of the England Under-21s, was given temporary charge of the senior side following Sam Allardyce's swift exit after he was caught up in The Telegraph's investigation into corruption in football.