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Young England squad 'not experimental', claims Southgate

The Three Lions untested players are ready for the challenge of facing the World Cup finalists, according to their manager

Gareth Southgate doesn't believe his young England side should be considered experimental for their Nations League fixture against Croatia.

The Three Lions take on their World Cup semi-final conquerors in Rijeka on Friday, with both teams searching for their first win in League A Group Four.

Southgate named an inexperienced squad for fixtures against Croatia and Spain – Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Leicester City's James Maddison among six uncapped players selected.

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Injuries to back-up goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and first-choice left-back Danny Rose have further complicated matters.