Southgate defends selection of Albion's Berahino and Manchester United's Shaw for England Under-21s

The pair were expected to be in contention for Roy Hodgson's full squad for Thursday's Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino, before the Under-21s tackle Croatia the next day.

But England Under-21s coach Southgate said the England hierarchy believe their development is best served by them being involved in the younger side's two-legged play-off.

"Myself and Roy look at it very closely every time a squad is announced, and clearly Luke and Saido have been in that already," said the former Villa captain.

"The fact it's a play-off game, Roy was keen for those he didn't think might start for him were with us this time around.

"That's the sort of joined-up thinking we're trying to put in place really.

"Clearly for the boys, I'm very conscious that they have to have the desire and humility to do that and they understand the situation.

"They're keen to help the team as much as they can because getting to the finals of this competition is an important experience for all of their developments."

Southgate admitted: "It's not easy for someone like Luke whose last game for England was in a World Cup finals.

"But he's still a young player who's only got a handful of England appearances at any level really.

"So in terms of his own experience and development, to play in a play-ff game where there's some pressure on us is good experience.

"He's also only had a couple of games back for United so in terms of his fitness I think that will be good as well.

"I just think it's a positive message as well because we believe he's going to be a top player, is important for someone like him who we see as being successful for the seniors in future, to show they're prepared to be part of the rest of the group."