Gareth Southgate hailed Harry Winks as “excellent” and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as “a real plus” after England’s win over Kosovo.
England ran out 4-0 winners to end qualification for Euro 2020 on a high note, with Harry Winks and Mason Mount both scoring their first international goals and Harry Kane becoming the first ever Three Lions player to score in every match of a qualifying group.
The scoreline flattered England to some extent, and Southgate was well aware that his side would need to raise their game against opponents of higher quality.
“It was a tight game and a good test for us really,” he told ITV. “It was a difficult pitch, with players slipping and passes going astray.
“We needed a tighter game and a challenge. I’m happy we got that. We had to sustain spells of pressure and gave them chances – on another night that would be a problem. But attacking we were ruthless.
“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, in his stage of returning, he’s been a real plus with the power of his running and attacking threat. I thought Harry Winks was excellent in both games and takes the ball well when we need calming.
“The set-plays in particular are something we have to look at. There have been too many people free in the box and chances given away. We know there is still a bit of work to do but I can’t fault the players in this campaign, they’ve been ruthless.”
Raheem Sterling was brought back into the starting lineup after his well-documented clash with Joe Gomez, and Southgate was pleased that everyone can now move on from the incident.
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“You work through any difficulties you might have and the group have done that really well. I think we come out of it stronger frankly.”
With several young players staking their claim for more opportunities – highlighted by Winks and Mount scoring, and Fikayo Tomori coming on for his senior debut – Southgate admitted he has a selection dilemma ahead of picking his 23-man squad next summer.
“It’s hard to leave experienced players out. I think we’re further ahead in being more settled with the group but there is really good competition and we wanted to learn things tonight and I think we did.”