Southgate singles out pair for praise after England draw

Gareth Southgate singled out Jordan Pickford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for praise after the pair made their England debuts against Germany.

Everton star Pickford and Chelsea youngster Loftus-Cheek, who is on loan at Crystal Palace, stood out in an inexperienced England side in the 0-0 draw at Wembley.

“First half a couple of really goods saves from Jordan (Pickford),” Southgate told ITV Sport. “We caused our own problems with a couple of those, but we posed our own questions and I thought we used the ball well.”

On Loftus-Cheek specifically, Southgate added: “He did everything I know he can do.

“It took him 10 minutes to realise he’s OK here. He is capable of anything. He has the physical attributes and can handle the ball.

“He will gain huge confidence from it. There will be harder tests as the likes of Germany will have another gear to go to.”