Southgate eager to experience Amex Stadium atmosphere

England Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate admits he is looking forward to taking his side to Brighton’s American Express Community Stadium next month.

The Three Lions will be taking on Switzerland in a Euro Qualifier at the venue on Monday 16 November, following on from previous games there for England’s Women, U21s and U19s in recent years.

And Southgate, who grew up in nearby Crawley, admits he is looking forward to taking his side to Sussex for this game with a feelgood factor around the area following a good start to the new campaign for Chris Hughton’s side.

"I was at the U19s’ game a few years ago when there was a fantastic crowd," said Southgate.

"With the team doing as well as they are, that always has an impact on how people feel about games.

"And hopefully we’ll have another big crowd and a great atmosphere for this one."

There could also be some added local interest in the game, with Albion trio Solly March, Jake Forster-Caskey and Christian Walton being regulars in Southgate’s squads this season.

March has been in good form for the Championship high-fliers, whilst Forster-Caskey and Walton have been out on loan at MK Dons and Bury respectively.

Solly March has been in fine form with Brighton & Hove Albion this season

And Albion’s first-team coach Nathan Jones spent a week working with Southgate earlier this summer at St. George’s Park as part of his coach education.

"They’ve got a great setup and are really supportive of us internationally," explained Southgate. 

"We’ve had a few players in our system from down there, they have a great new training ground and the Amex is a super venue.

"It’s a club we really enjoy working with. We’ve had Nathan Jones come to work with us before and I get on well with Chris as well.

"Paul Barber [Brighton chief executive] was previously with The FA and we have a lot of good relationships there, so it’s certainly a preparation period and game that we’re really looking forward to."

Tickets for the game will go on sale at the Amex Stadium on Thursday 8 October, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (U18s, Over 65s and students, on display of valid ID), family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) £20, Group Booking (15 plus) £5 adults & £2.50 children (U18s).

Click here to buy tickets for the game.