Gareth Southgate handed major boost in luring Liverpool whizkid Ben Woodburn into the England set-up

GARETH SOUTHGATE’S mission to bring Liverpool whizkid Ben Woodburn into the England set-up has received a massive boost.

Woodburn, 17, who is eligible for the Three Lions, was rocked by Geraint Williams not having his contract renewed as Wales youth supremo.

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Williams and assistant David Hughes were instrumental in getting the Kop striker to choose the Dragons over England.

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But their departure has left the door open for the teenager to switch countries before making his senior debut.

England chiefs have been looking at “foreign” youngsters at academies to get them qualified for the Three Lions.

Woodburn is seen as a future star for senior boss Southgate and he could consider his future if an approach is made from the Three Lions.

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It is understood that Wales boss Chris Coleman is also fuming at the departure of Williams and Hughes following their amazing work in the youth set-up.

And there will be anger if it leads to Wales losing some of their best young talent, including Woodburn.

He scored his first professional goal in the EFL Cup win over Leeds last month and was on the radar for England before his breakthrough.