England

Gareth Southgate looks to attack

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 04 October 2013

England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate believes that the creative players in his squad will prove important during their forthcoming European qualifiers.

England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate has said that his attack-minded squad could be crucial in the team's next two internationals.

The Three Lions will play European qualifiers against San Marino and Lithuania next week.

Southgate has expressed his belief that the creative players in his squad will have important roles to play during the two games.

"We've got quite a few players in our squad who I think can change games and have that creative ability and we need to find a place for them," Southgate told the FA's official website.

"With the type of opposition that we are up against in these two games, I expect packed defences and I think that is what we'll be faced with in every game in this group.

"You can pass through teams sometimes, but you also need players who can do something extraordinary to break teams down. At senior level, these are the types of players that we hope to bring through in the future."

Southgate's side travel to San Marino on October 10 before welcoming Lithuania to Portman Road five days later.