Gareth Southgate says he left Manchester United defender Chris Smalling out of the England squad because he felt the time was right to look at other defenders.
South Londoner Smalling was overlooked by England boss Southgate for this month’s internationals against Germany and Brazil.
Speaking at a media conference on Thursday afternoon, Southgate explained: “I have huge respect for Chris. He’s a player who is playing at a big club.
“We want to play in a certain way, and with the players I’ve brought in I want to see them using the ball from the back and building up in a certain way. That’s a style that I want to have a look at.
“I know what Chris can do. There are some young defenders who haven’t got as many games under their belt and I think this is a great chance to look at them and see whether they can play at this level.”
Southgate added that he believes Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks, who has been included in the squad, is ideal for the way he wants England to play.
“All the players I’ve called up from the younger teams are players that can handle the ball,” he explained.
“Our desire is to play in a way where we control possession of the game.”