Gareth Southgate Quotes

Just like all young players, there is a difference between being involved and just participating.

I think as a central defender you grow as a player.

When I went to Japan, I was with Kashima Antlers. Very good results were produced with that team as I aimed to develop Japanese football.

There has been a great list of players who cut their teeth in Europe.

I think it's brilliant to see players you've grown up with on the international stage come through to senior level.

I started off as a right-winger, but my coaches pushed me further and further back. So much so that I ended up in defence, because I wasn't good with my hands and there was nowhere else to go! So they put me there and that's when I found my position.

Playing in the Championship and starting games, I'm learning something new every day and constantly improving my game.

When I was young, the best moment came when I was 10 and I got invited to the academy. I remember getting all this Ajax training gear and suddenly I was able to call myself an Ajax player.

Of course that's Ajax development, giving young players a chance.

I'm glad I came to Palace because I am getting the game time I wanted. I am also learning to fight with some good players.

The quality of our academy system is very high, as good as anything in the world. Around the country, lots of people in youth development are keen to get together and find a solution to that 17-to-21 age bracket and how we get those players playing.

I played for Barcelona, for Ajax, where it's important to develop and integrate young talent.

At seven, I played centre-back. When you're so young, though, it's more to enjoy the training and to get a feel for the game. It's not heavy on tactics of a position. We were playing on a half pitch, seven against seven or eight against eight, so they say you're a centre-back, but it's not like the real definition.

In the U.S. system, too often the best player on an under-17 team will be treated like a 'star' - not having to work for the ball, being the focus of the offense at all times, etc. - at a time when they should be having to fight tooth and nail for their spot.

I remember how I, too, was part of the Azlan Shah tournament for the first time in 2005. After that, I went to the Junior World Cup. I remember how much I benefited from the exposure.

I learned so much during my time at United. Sharing a dressing room with Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Ryan Giggs at such a young age was an amazing experience. I didn't play as much as I would have liked, but it was a master's degree in development both as a player and a person.

Being part of the India 'A' team has helped me grow as an all-rounder.

I love the game of basketball; I love coaching. The attention, being on TV, all that stuff, that's not what it's about for me.

For me to be a better player, I need to play more games, and having a gaffer I know has great trust in me gives me the confidence I need to help me improve my game.

As players, you've got to keep improving, keep learning, keep playing well to get your place in the team.

My dad produces good footballers.

It's been great to play against the top teams in the world, it can only benefit me.

I'm passionate about making this country and the youth passionate about football.

I've trained with some top players at Chelsea, but sometimes training is not enough.

Every player wants to play more than 45 minutes, but it's the decision of the coach. You have to work hard.