England boss Gareth Southgate: Not selling Wembley was a missed opportunity

Gareth Southgate believes English football should reconsider selling Wembley.

The England manager has re-opened the debate over the national stadium, suggesting the funds could be used to benefit grassroots’ sport.

Premier League club Fulham's American owner Shahid Khan withdrew his £600million offer for the iconic venue last October over claims it was ‘divisive’ – but Three Lions' boss, and former England player, Southgate has now said: ‘I don’t think, fundamentally, it matters who owns Wembley.

“We do need to play there. It’s right the England team plays there.

“In my opinion, there was an opportunity to raise money through its sale.

A £600m offer to buy Wembley from the FA was on the table late last year (Getty Images)

“In this calendar year, we will have three matches there. So in actual fact, the logic of owning it compared to being tenants - we were tenants in ‘96 [when England got to the semis of the European Championship as the host nation] and it was a brilliant tournament.

“I do understand the public’s passion for a national landmark. But in general, owning a property isn’t necessarily the right thing if it’s costing you money.”

Southgate was speaking at a McDonald’s sponsorship event at St George’s Park, a deal that is relieving the burden on the Football Association to find the money to fund grassroots. He said that England could learn from other countries – and create huge cross-sport community hubs – with the cash raised through Wembley’s sale or a mortgage set against its value.

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It's crucial England play at Wembley but the FA don't have to own the place, argues Southgate (AFP/Getty)

He said: “It’s not fair to say the Premier League don’t spend money, because they do. It would be unfair to say clubs don’t work in the community, because they do.

“Funding from government has been cut and has to be spent in other areas. But we don’t have enough pitches. And if there aren’t pitches for kids to play on, or they can’t get onto them. Then it doesn’t matter how good the coaching is, they need facilities to go and play.

“We are seeing kids in our team who have come through cage football, so you don’t need huge expanses. You can develop skills in smaller areas.”

* Gareth Southgate is inviting families to one of over 600 free McDonald’s Fun Football sessions this Spring, which will introduce thousands of children across the UK to grassroots football.

To find out more, visit mcdonalds.co.uk/funfootball