Agbonlahor digs at Liverpool star Harvey Elliott after confirmed news
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted England boss Gareth Southgate was right to snub Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott despite his fine form so far this season.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 19-year-old's "time will come" and suggested he could make the grade in the build-up to next year's European Championships.
Gareth Southgate announced his England squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine this month - but there was no place for Elliott in the 25-man list.
That is despite the youngster appearing in each of Liverpool's 40 games across all competitions so far this season - contributing five goals and two assists.
Elliott will instead resume his place in the England Under-21 squad - alongside big-six stars like Emile Smith Rowe, Noni Madueke and Oliver Skipp.
The former Fulham youngster signed a bumper new Liverpool contract last year (2022), keeping him at the club until June 2027.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it’s the right decision.
“It’s still too soon for Harvey Elliott. I really like him as a player, and his time will come.
“There are still a few better players in that midfield area for Southgate to choose.
“I think this squad has just come a bit too early.
“If he finishes this season strongly, then why not bring him in later this year and see what he’s made of ahead of the Euros in 2024?”
There was also no place in the senior squad for Trent Alexander-Arnold - after he made just one appearance at the World Cup in Qatar.
Elliott and Liverpool are next in action against Man City on 1 April.