---
title: "Southgate claims Hudson-Odoi is ready to start for England"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2019/03/21/southgate-claims-hudson-odoi-is-ready-to-start-for-england/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2019-03-21T19:42:33Z"
modified: "2019-03-21T19:42:34Z"
---

# Southgate claims Hudson-Odoi is ready to start for England

England manager Gareth Southgate claims he is confident that Callum Hudson-Odoi is ready to make his senior international debut.

The 18-year old, who has yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea, was called up to Southgate’s squad from the Under-21s after Luke Shaw withdrew through injury.

With Marcus Rashford having also recently having suffered injury, Hudson-Odoi will now compete with fellow 18-year old Jadon Sancho to play in games against Czech Republic and Montenegro this week.

![Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1135820789.jpg)

Speaking ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifying game against Czech Republic on Friday, Southgate confirmed that Hudson-Odoi is ready to feature if required, and that he is in the squad on merit. As reported by [West London Sport](https://www.westlondonsport.com/chelsea/southgate-hudson-odoi-ready-to-start-for-england), Southgate said:

> They’ve been exceptional in training. They look like they’ve been with us forever.

> Throughout the age groups they’ve been very similar in their development.

> Jadon has obviously had more big-match experience and has been with the senior (England) team a bit longer. But Callum has fitted in brilliantly.

> I won’t hesitate to start either of them. They’re ready. They can play, no problem, for us.

> We’ve lost a lot of players, but it’s an opportunity for others.