Gareth Southgate risks breaking his own rule with England squad decision

Gareth Southgate needs to live by his own words and be "brave enough" to drop his past-it stars. In 2018 the England boss called for Premier League managers to give youth a chance - and now it is his turn to trust the youngsters.

"I was given an opportunity here to blood younger players in this tournament and they have proved that they could perform at a really good level," Southgate said after the World Cup in Russia.

"Managers at clubs need that time as well - and also, you have got to be brave enough to take those decisions if you think that it's the right thing for the long term."

Jordan Henderson will likely start England's opening match at Euro 2024 against Serbia in a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

The 33-year-old has not played at the highest level since his controversial move to Saudi Arabia from Liverpool. Moving to Ajax in January hasn't helped Henderson's cause, either.

UEFA's country coefficients ranks the Dutch league as the 10th strongest this year, behind the Czech Republic and Turkish top flights. Not exactly the biggest stage.

There are much younger options available that are producing week-in, week-out.

Kobbie Mainoo has been outstanding for Manchester United.

Southgate humbly admitted he was wrong by eventually calling the 18-year-old up to the senior team for the first time. He now has to put his faith in Mainoo from the start.

If the main reasons Henderson is part of the England set-up are for his leadership quality and personality in the changing room then take him as a member of the coaching staff.

He can even be the water boy or kit man's assistant to get him on the plane, but don't waste a precious squad place.

Southgate must be brave and think of the long term, as he says.