England U21s boss says Norway clash is a chance for Marcus Rashford and Co. to impress Sam Allardyce

ENGLAND Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate says tonight’s clash with Norway is the ideal opportunity for Marcus Rashford and Co. to impress Sam Allardyce.
Three Lions manager Big Sam, who guided England to a 1-0 win over Slovakia in his first game in charge on Sunday, will be in the stands at Colchester on Tuesday evening to watch the young charges.

Manchester United striker Rashford set for his U21s bow after being left out of Allardyce’s senior squad.
And Southgate believes that the national manager’s presence will not bring any added pressure, instead it will provide the ideal chance for the youngster to show what he can do.
Southgate said: “This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to work with him (Rashford). The most pleasing thing has been his mentality.

“This is an easy group to get on with but he looks like he has been here a long time. His mentality has been excellent.”
He continued: “For all of the lads, it’s a chance with a new senior manager coming in. It’s a fresh start and it’s somebody else that they have to impress.
“There’s never a time when you set foot on a field that you don’t have to prove yourself.
“I don’t think there’s any additional pressure, for all of them it’s an opportunity.”

England head into the Norwegian clash sitting top of their European Championship qualification group.
With just three games remaining, a win this evening will put them in a strong position to reach the tournament in Poland next summer.
The 46-year-old also guided the Young Lions to victory in the Toulon Tournament earlier this year, leading to him becoming the bookies favourite to replace Roy Hodgson after Euro 2016 following FA chief executive Martin Glenn saying he would be an “obvious choice” as interim manager.
Southgate, who managed Middlesbrough to two mid-table finishes in the Premier League after taking charge in 2006 aged 35 before suffering relegation in his third year, made it clear he was not interested.
And speaking for the first time about the speculation linking him to the role, he admitted it was still too early in his career, although he would be open to it later in his career.

Southgate said: “I can see the logic in terms of the odds but it wasn’t a route I felt I was ready to take. I’m pretty clear on what I’m comfortable with but also I know to take that role wasn’t something I think I’ve got the experience for.
“I think it’s one of the ultimate jobs and you want every skill set possible when you go into it. Sam obviously has years and years of experience.
“I’m fiercely ambitious, there’s no question about that, so I wouldn’t want it to be seen that I’m not. I’m also clear on where I am and I know how far I’ve come since I left Middlesbrough [in 2009].
“I think with England there are one or two other things that I would want to have had experience of before I took that role. To be going into it from a real position of strength, maybe that happens in the future, maybe it doesn’t?”

Southgate’s current contract with the FA expires after next year’s European Championship.
And he hinted that a return to club management could be on the cards.
He added: “I’m sure there will be a moment to do that. If it’s something I’ve got to get back, it’s managing the number of games and being able to do that.
“I got a job at Middlesbrough where I didn’t have all the skills that I wanted and I know how difficult that can be.
“Everybody will talk about us getting relegated but we finished 12th and 13th in the Premier League so I know I can manage in that division. I know I’m miles better than I was then, but also I’m in a position here where you can learn a hell of a lot.”