England manager Gareth Southgate has explained the thinking behind including Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in his squad for Euro 2020.
Saka was the only member of Mikel Arteta's side included in the 26-man squad for this summer's European Championships.
The versatile 19-year-old has been a standout performer in a disappointing season for Arsenal.
Saka also impressed during his performances for England this season, and Southgate admitted that his showings for club and country persuaded him to include the left-footer, who has played in defence, midfield and attack this term.
"Firstly he's performed exceptionally well for us and performed well in a team that's had a difficult season," Southgate said.
"Sometimes young players can go into teams that are playing well and flourish. He's gone into a team that have had a tough season and have really played with character as well as skill.
"Again we saw when he had to come on in Belgium [last autumn] real personality in his performance. His adaptability, the fact he can play four or five different positions is a real plus for us."
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And explaining the decision to head up to the north east, Southgate explained that he knew the facilities would work well for their purpose.
"The initial decision has come from the FA, so they give me the possibilities," he said.
"They wanted to take the team to the north-east and we were hoping to play at Newcastle as well. If we'd had the opportunity with full stadiums, without having to set the stadiums up for Covid, we would have liked to have used both stadiums.
"Of course, when we were coming to the north-east I knew that the training facilities here, as well as the hotel, would be a fabulous environment.
"It's been great, very relaxed for the boys. Some play a bit of golf, the weather's been glorious, we only have to walk across to the training ground.
"The real bonus, in this era of sporting bubbles and Covid, has been that – with the weather so good – we've been able to sit outside, spend more time together and eat outside. That's been great for everybody psychologically."
