Southgate fires Eriksson broadside

Southgate produced a steady display in England's lacklustre 2-0 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday, but believes the team needs more experience if it is to challenge for international honours.

"We are looking for the next bright, young thing right now - but that can be dangerous," said Southgate.

"You have to have a balance of both experience and exciting young talent.

"The lads coming through have given England a breath of fresh air but if you want to win things you need a lot of players who are 27, 28 or 29.

"If you look at the teams that have won trophies over the years, those are the key ages for their players.

"There has to be a careful balance because some of the lads in the England team are not even regulars at their clubs."

The Middlesbrough stopper accepts England must plan for the future, but insists Eriksson should not overlook the present.

"If the plan is to get a team together that will play in 2006 or 2008 then that route is fair enough but I don't think you plan that far ahead.

"Someone like Wayne Rooney has terrific talent but we must not expect too much of him at 17. There has been tremendous pressure placed on him.

"And without David Seaman around, I look like the daddy in the camp but it's important to have plenty of big-match experience in the squad.

"I feel we're going into games with lads who haven't got the experience for the huge matches they are about to face."

Southgate also cast doubt over whether youngsters in modern-day football show the requisite character and desire when representing their country due to over-protection during the early stages of their career.

"Players like Paul Ince used to rollock you to try and raise your game but the modern young player cannot handle that.

"Players are changing and there are more around at club and international level who are quieter and don't want to stand up and have their say.

"There is a danger that in trying to develop youngsters through the academy route they are not equipped as individuals.

"Everything is done for them but cleaning boots taught you respect and prevented spiralling egos.

"Nowadays, they're taught the game and how to be technically good but does that teach them how to be an individual?

"Does it free their characters?

"I don't think there is anyone in the current England dressing room who would go mad like Tony Adams did to get everyone else going.