Gareth Southgate has sent a stark warning to Jadon Sancho that his form must improve if he is to be involved with England again, as his squad can't carry players who can't be used.
It's been a tough season so far for Sancho, who has struggled for form and minutes since his £73million move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
The winger is yet to score or assist in his 12 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to date, but was still included in the last England squad and set up two goals in the 5-0 victory over Andorra.
However, this time around, along with Jesse Lingard, Sancho's club form has now seen him miss out on a place for the final round of World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino.
While Southgate has said he will support his players, he has admitted at some point he has to give those who are playing regularly for their club more of an opportunity, making it clear to Sancho that he has to get back in the United team if he wants to play for the Three Lions.
“We can support and back but in the end you cannot do that forever,” Southgate said. “There has to be a point where you say: ‘OK, the route here is we have to bring in different players who are playing regularly and can perform for us this time around.’
"There is no point carrying lads if we don’t think we can use them.”
“I would say that is how people view a lot of our young players,” Southgate said when it was suggested Sancho has got to the top quickly.
“But what is the top? These boys are still learning the game, how to be professionals. Jadon is adapting to a new club, a different style of play. So they’re not at the top yet. They’re young players making their way.”
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