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Southgate could call on Wilshere and co for Under-21s

Jack Wilshere could end up playing a full season with Arsenal and England before heading to the U21 European Championship © Getty Images

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England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate has risked clashing with some Premier League managers after suggesting that some of the national team's senior players should turn out at next summer's European Championship.

The likes of Liverpool's Raheem Sterling, Arsenal trio Jack Wilshere, Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Everton pair Ross Barkley and John Stones have turned out for Roy Hodgson's side, but all are eligible for the Under-21 side.

And while Southgate said he will keep the core of his squad that earned qualification for the finals in Czech Republic, he may be tempted to add a bit of sparkle with what he calls "illustrious names" if it is beneficial to the team and the player.

"I have been very careful throughout the campaign about who comes into the squad," he said following the win over Croatia that secured qualification.

"They have to have a connection with the team and desire to come and play. I never worry about who I haven't got and I'm not going to start now. Luke Shaw had the humility to drop down [from the seniors] but he has been a big part of what we have done. He knows the players and how things work.

"You can drive yourself to distraction. We could write a team sheet with illustrious names not involved here. The fact is, I believe we have such depth that we can challenge whoever we are playing with whatever players we put out on the pitch."

The likes of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose players have an unenviable record when it comes to picking up injuries on international duty, will be keen for players like Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers to rest up over the summer, but Southgate is happy relations between club and country remain peaceful.

"There may have been cases where some players haven't fitted in to what we are doing," he added. "I certainly haven't had a club pull out a player and thought that it's a bit off. Managers and coaches at clubs have been really supportive - and I don't think that will change."

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