Gary Lineker: 'National disgrace' if England stars withdraw from Euro U21s

England Under-21s twice came from behind to win 3-2 over Germany in a friendly at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium on Monday night in what was a hugely encouraging performance.

It has long been the case that England's best U21 players have not been available for the age-group squad for major tournaments due to club or senior squad commitments.

But the BBC presenter has made his strong views on the subject very clear, insisting that this summer's tournament should be regarded as a priority and viewed as a huge opportunity.

And former England striker Lineker reckons Gareth Southgate's squad for the tournament in the Czech Republic should include eligible players from the senior squad to give them the best chance of success.

He said on Twitter:

Only earlier this month, Hull City winger Tom Ince has told Southgate he no longer wished to be considered for selection for the England Under-21s this summer, making Lineker's statements all the more pertinent.

Ince, who was a regular in the Under-21s' successful European Championship qualifying campaign, made his decision clear to Southgate in discussions which also involved the player's father, former England captain Paul Ince.

Southgate said: "I have had discussions with Tom and his dad over the last week or so and he has decided he does not want to considered for the Under-21s.

"I have to say I was surprised. He has obviously been a regular for us all the way through the campaign. But he feels at this moment in time he has got some priorities at club level."

Lineker's views are very timely after England's win over Germany and, with many of the best U21 players not having played in the fixture, there is clearly reason for optimism. Will the likes of Lineker speaking out on the subject influence players and their club managers to be more open to ensuring full availability for the tournament? Well, that's unlikely.

However, there really seems to be a growing momentum behind the calls for England's best young players to be made fully available for the tournament, which can only be a good thing.

Frankly, it's time England took an U21 competition seriously and gave their players a chance of tournament success - or, at the very least, very valuable experience. It has proved highly beneficial for other nations in the past, so England must change their approach quickly.