Southampton defender Jack Stephens apologises for England U21 red

Southampton defender Jack Stephens has apologised for being sent off in England U21's 0-0 draw with Bosnia.

The Southampton centre back, who is on loan at Middlesbrough, was shown two yellow cards.

"I am gutted. I let the boys down," said Stephens. "I made two fouls and they were both yellow cards. I just have to take it on the chin. The referee let a lot go and one of their players had three or four fouls before he was even spoken to.

"The first one, I definitely caught him. But I stepped on his toe and he went down as if he had broken his leg. If I have been booked for that, fair enough. But the second one? I came across and never even touched him. They all got round the referee and made sure I was sent off.

"When he showed me the red card, two or three of them cheered. They were clapping as I was walking off but that is what you are going to get when you go to those kind of places. You have to deal with it and I will learn from it.

"I apologised to Gareth. Even though I didn't think it was fair, I thought it was only right and important to apologise. He was fine. He said he understood the situation, the pitch and wasn't going to kill me for it. I'm not a nasty player and would never hurt anyone.

"It will hurt getting closer to Monday and it will eat away at me. I will support the boys and stay with the squad. I want to stay 100 per cent. It is one of the highlights of the season to come away with the Under 21s. There is a really good group of lads and I really enjoy it."