GARETH SOUTHGATE has told Callum Hudson-Odoi: Don’t hurry to quit Chelsea.
The starlet, 18, slapped in a transfer request two months ago in the wake of a £35million bid from Bayern Munich and a lack of first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
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But Southgate believes Hudson-Odoi, who made his England debut on Friday, can have a bright future with the Blues under Maurizio Sarri.
The Three Lions boss said: “If you look at number of appearances, he has actually been on the field quite a lot.
“And I know from when we were talking with the club earlier in the season how much faith Maurizio has in him. He has got some outstanding players just in front of him but he’s slowly getting more and more game time.
“So, I think he’s maturing well. There doesn’t need to be a rush for him. We’ve seen that with Marcus Rashford and his development.
“He’s getting first-team football and that’s important. For us, I think his progress is good.”
The winger has made eight starts this season — all in cup competitions — and been used as a sub 11 times.
But with Chelsea facing a two-year ban on signing players, there could be more chances next season.
I know how much faith Maurizio Sarri has in him
Southgate on Hudson-Odoi
SunSport understands Blues coaches have handed Hudson-Odoi videos of England star Raheem Sterling in action for club and country and advised him to study them.
Southgate was delighted with the way Hudson-Odoi seized his chance after injuries saw him promoted from the Under-21 squad.
At 18 years and 135 days old, the Londoner is the youngest ever to win his first England cap in a competitive match.
And he played a big part in the final goal as the Czechs were trounced 5-0.
Southgate said: “We weren’t certain that he would be able to adapt to this level.
“We’re a bit fortunate in finding him, we would have given him a bit longer in the Under-21s.
“But already he’s proved he can more than cope.
“He’s a very confident boy. I’m sure there are going to be peaks and troughs but I’m really pleased for him.”
PA:Press Association
