‘Fabulous’: Gareth Southgate is ecstatic about what has just happened to Newcastle 29-year-old

Add as preferred source on Google

Gareth Southgate only named one Newcastle United player in his England squad, but has had a lot to say about Eddie Howe’s team.

Despite strong performances from the likes of Sean Longstaff and Anthony Gordon, Kieran Trippier is the only Newcastle player selected for the upcoming internationals against Australia and Italy.

Southgate is a huge fan of Trippier, but he has also been speaking very highly about one of Trippier’s recent defensive partners.

Jamaal Lascelles has found himself back in the Newcastle starting XI in recent weeks, with Sven Botman out injured.

Howe opted to bring in the captain and keep Dan Burn at left-back, despite previously deciding to play Matt Targett on the left of defence and move Burn inside.

The Newcastle boss put his trust in Lascelles, and it is a decision that paid off. The 29-year-old has played every minute of the Magpies’ last four games, including the win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Lascelles was outstanding on his Champions League debut, helping keep Kylian Mbappe quiet as Newcastle went on to win 4-1 on a historic night for the club.

It was great to see players like Lascelles involved in that moment, and now England boss Gareth Southgate has heaped praise on the Toon defender.

Gareth Southgate is delighted for Jamaal Lascelles

Southgate has been speaking about Newcastle’s Champions League win over PSG, and took time to discuss Lascelles’ involvement.

“There are some fabulous stories,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.

“Jamaal Lascelles was with us in the Under-21s and has been a fantastic leader for Newcastle.

“He has had to be fantastically patient waiting for his chance. There are those sorts of stories all over the pitch.”

What a night for the Newcastle captain

As Southgate says, Lascelles has had to be incredibly patient for an opportunity. He has not had an extended run in the starting XI since the first couple of months of Howe’s tenure.

Despite limited football and higher calibre opposition, Lascelles was outstanding in the Champions League win over PSG.

It actually made the night even more special, seeing players like Lascelles be part of it. He was there during the dark days, and led the club with pride.

Now he is doing it once again, with the Champions League anthem blaring and Mbappe fleeing down the tunnel in embarrassment.

What a story, and a night that Lascelles will never forget.