Today’s back pages: Kyle Walker axed as England boss Gareth Southgate gets tough

Southgate’s warning

After announcing his latest squad England manager Gareth Southgate has told his players to keep performing or face the axe.

Kyle Walker was left out of Southgate’s 25-man squad for the Uefa Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo next month, and the Three Lions boss has warned no one is safe, The Sun reports.

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“Walker axed in youth drive”, says The Times, with the 29-year-old Manchester City defender dropped as Southgate gives younger players a chance. The Daily Telegraph adds that “Southgate gets tough” with his latest squad selection.

The Daily Star reports that Southgate called up a trio of Young Lions - Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Leicester City playmaker James Maddison - then told them not to get too big for their boots.

England play Bulgaria at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 September (5pm kick-off). Then on Tuesday 10 September they host Kosovo at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium (7.45pm).