Southgate, a former Football Association head of elite development and England under-21s manager, guided his side to a 5-0 home win over Czech Republic in their first Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday.

And as he prepared to face Montenegro in another qualifier on Monday, Southgate said ex-Manchester United boss Ferguson would be a source of inspiration.

"I think that comes into everything: how much we expose them to the public, how much we put them into commercial situations," he said when asked about England's responsibility to young players.

"We've got to be thinking about all of that all of the time because it's very easy for them to enjoy these moments, and they've got to enjoy these moments, but equally, there's a good balance.

"I always think of Sir Alex with Ryan [Giggs] and how he did that so well. They had sustained success because of that.

"So, although they're not our players on a day-to-day basis, I think we've got a responsibility to do that as much as we can."

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, 18, praised Raheem Sterling for helping him on his introduction to the England set-up.

"He is a great player, and he is showing all the youngsters what it is about," he said of Manchester City star Sterling, whose opening goal he set up on Friday.

"He's cool, he speaks to me and Callum [Hudson-Odoi, also 18] about what to do and what not to do, and he gives us advice.

"He has been helping me a lot, but it's not just him -- everyone has made me and Callum comfortable and made us feel welcome."