Football news and talking points: Gianluigi Buffon, Ryan Sessegnon urged not to rush, Jordan Pickford's England chance

Buffon hits back ahead of Italy return

Gianluigi Buffon issued a stern rebuke to his critics as he arrived in England to add to his record cap tally with Italy.

The veteran goalkeeper announced his retirement from international football after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup last November but later reversed his decision.

Consequently he has been retained as captain by caretaker coach Luigi di Biagio and is set to lead the side out in friendlies against Argentina in Manchester on Friday and England at Wembley next Tuesday.

The decision has attracted some criticism but Juventus number one Buffon, 40, insists he is still the best man for the job.

Buffon, who holds a European record 175 international caps, said: "I've nothing to add to what has been said. Everyone knows the truth. My role in the squad has always been positive and I've always brought people together. I've always put us before me.

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"I'm not here to showcase, to show myself off. I can still be useful. I might be 40 but I'm the goalkeeper of Juventus.

"Italy is a funny country where people enjoy controversy but any controversy about me is just sensationalism. After a while all this controversy will just fall away."

Buffon has previously hinted that this season could be his last but he does not appear to have any retirement plans yet.

Speaking at a press conference at the Etihad Stadium, Buffon said: "I don't know if my last match will be with Juventus or an international but it will be low key and sober, normal.

"I arrived at my first game on a scooter and the only car I have is the one that Juventus make available for me."

Don't rush Sessegnon - Boothroyd

England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd insists the Three Lions must learn the lessons of fast-tracking young stars too soon.

Ryan Sessegnon, the 17-year-old Fulham star, is with the Young Lions for the first time for games against Romania and Ukraine, having been considered for the senior side.

Sessegnon has scored 14 goals for Fulham this season as they challenge for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship having previously played for the England Under-19s.

Senior boss Gareth Southgate name-checked him last week, leading to comparisons with Theo Walcott's surprise call for the 2006 World Cup at just 17.

And, accepting the similarity, Boothroyd will not rush his new star.

He said: "Yes and we have to learn those lessons. There's a right time and a right place to see if he can maintain what he's doing.

"There are a lot of pitfalls on the way. So I think he's best to be judged at the end of his career, when he's got 200 caps and everything else.

"He's got a long way to go yet. He's not ready for them yet. He's in exactly the right place at the right time for his club, playing plenty of games and getting plenty of experience for his country.

"It was a really quick discussion (about senior selection).

"When there is attention on someone who is doing so well there is inevitably going to comparison with the Wayne Rooneys and Michael Owens and the rest of it.

"But he's clearly got something that is special and it's about making sure we keep his feet on the ground and not get too excited, make sure he doesn't get too excited - which I'm sure he won't - and we just progress him at the right pace."

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Pickford's golden chance

Jordan Pickford has been handed a golden opportunity to press his World Cup claims against Holland, just as Jack Wilshere's fragile fitness casts a doubt over his.

Everton goalkeeper Pickford will start against Holland in Amsterdam on Friday, named ahead of long-term number one Joe Hart, Stoke's Jack Butland and the uncapped Nick Pope following an impressive debut against Germany in November.

Wilshere, though, was laid low by a flare up in his knee and did not travel with the rest of the squad.

The Arsenal midfielder had been lined up for a first international appearance since Euro 2016 but has been left at St George's Park for treatment and faces a race against time to be ready for Tuesday's Wembley meeting with Italy.

On the battle for the number one jersey, which has been muddied by Hart's failure to nail down a spot on loan at West Ham, Southgate said: "If Jordan Pickford does well tomorrow he gives himself a huge boost and gives us food for thought.

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"We're not in a situation where we have a goalkeeper who's established in the team and playing at his club regularly, all things aligned as you might hope at this point.

"There's not a clear number one because of what's happened, particularly with Joe at his club.

"There's still plenty of football to be played, it is a tight call at the moment."

Despite the crowded field, Pickford has clearly done enough to thrust himself to the forefront of the manager's mind.

"He's agile, quick around his goal, capable of making big saves and his distribution is excellent," added Southgate.

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Last updated at 0930 GMT 23/03/2018.

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