Southgate: English football has racism issues, not just Russia

Gareth Southgate believes English football must get its “house in order” before judging other countries about racism issues.

Speaking ahead of England’s clash in Holland tonight, Three Lions boss Southgate was asked about potential problems at this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Southgate revealed that after spending time with Troy Townsend, the Kick It Out education and development manager, he learnt about a number of “disgusting” online comments made about the England Under-17s team.

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“I don’t think we should just talk about racism in Russia – we have got to get our own house in order,” Southgate told Sky Sports.

“There are still things going on in our own country that aren’t correct around racism. So, we keep pointing the finger at Russia, where we’re going to be guests in the next few months, but we haven’t resolved the issue in our own country.”

Southgate added: “I had a really interesting couple of hours with Troy Townsend a couple of weeks ago. He came in to speak to some of our coaches. He showed a picture of I think our Under-17s from a recent game that was put on social media. The comments about that team underneath were disgusting.”

He added: “They’re part of our England family... When we speak about other countries, I find it difficult to deflect what we’ve seen there.”

England – who will play Belgium, Tunisia and Panama at this year’s World Cup in Russia – are preparing for the finals with friendly matches against Holland tonight in Amsterdam (7.45pm) and against Italy on Tuesday at Wembley Stadium (8pm).

The BBC says that Southgate will be without Jack Wilshere tonight after the Arsenal midfielder injured his knee in training. Everton’s Jordan Pickford will start in goal after getting the nod ahead of rivals Jack Butland, Joe Hart and Nick Pope.

Southgate says the World Cup goalkeeping position is there for Pickford to claim. He said: “I know who the World Cup keeper would be if we played tomorrow – but it’s a very tight call, form is also important. If Jordan Pickford does well here then he gives himself a huge boost and gives us food for thought.”

How to watch Holland vs. England

The international friendly match between the Netherlands and England will be shown live on ITV. Coverage starts at 7.30pm with the match kicking off at 7.45pm.

England football team fixtures

World Cup warm-up matches

• Tonight: vs. Holland at Johan Cruyff Arena (7.45pm)
• 27 March: vs. Italy at Wembley (8pm)
• 2 June: vs. Nigeria at Wembley (5.15pm)
• 7 June: vs. Costa Rica at Elland Road (8pm)

England’s 2018 Fifa World Cup group G fixtures

• 18 June: vs. Tunisia (7pm)
• 24 June: vs. Panama (1pm)
• 28 June: vs. Belgium (7pm)