Gary Lineker: 'England Under-21 withdrawals would be a disgrace'

Former England striker Gary Lineker has suggested that it would be a "national disgrace" if England's best youngsters do not play at the 2015 Under-21 European Championships.

Gareth Southgate's Under-21 side recorded an impressive 3-2 win over Germany on Monday evening in a warm-up match for this summer's tournament, without the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

Lineker believes that England are capable of winning the tournament in the Czech Republic, provided that their best players are featured.

"If clubs try to pull their players out it would be a national disgrace," the Match of the Day host wrote on Twitter.

"England beat Germany. Add a few from the seniors and they could win Euros."

England's senior team face Italy in a friendly this evening.