Gareth Southgate calls Danny Rose decision to tell family to stay away from Russia ‘sad’… but understands why
Tottenham defender Rose, who was verbally abused in an Under-21s match in Serbia in 2012, has revealed he has "no faith" in football's authorities to challenge the problems
GARETH SOUTHGATE admits it is “sad” that Danny Rose has told his family to stay away from Russia over fears of racism – but the England manager understands.
Spurs defender Rose, who was verbally abused in an Under-21s match in Serbia in 2012, has revealed he has "no faith" in football's authorities to challenge the problems.
The Russian Football Union was recently fined £22,000 for racist chants by fans in a friendly against France in March.
England’s players have staged a team meeting over the situation and Southgate said: “I sympathise 100 per cent. He has had experience of that.
“I was not aware of the conversation Danny had with his family. He talked to us about it. We had a meeting with the players a few nights ago.
“I had asked him for the benefit of other players his experience in Serbia – and to share some things.
“What is clear he felt let down by the authorities and was not the only one who had experience of that, which is sad to hear.
“He is part of our team and our family for the next few months. We tend to support our players. It is sad.
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"None of us know what will happen in Russia and it is sad he feels there is a possibility that there could be something he does not want his family to experience.
"It seems the fines are not making any difference.
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“But Welbeck had an experience with Arsenal in Russia and it was really good.
“All of these problems are down to a lack of education. It is something we want to talk about but it is something we should talk about.”
England face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up tomorrow at Leeds’ Elland Road.
Jack Butland will start in goal and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold will be given a debut at some stage.
He said: “There are definitely places up for grabs.
"He [Alexander-Arnold] has performance exceptionally well. it will be a huge moment for him."