England manager Gareth Southgate says he is hopeful Nathaniel Chalobah's "personal development" will benefit from joining Watford.

News of the Hornets' move for the England Under-21 international surprised many given his 13 years at Stamford Bridge, and his growing reputation despite remaining on the fringes of the Blues' squad.

But Southgate was impressed with the 22-year-old's desire to prove himself despite a new contract offer from Antonio Conte, and is hopeful the move will prove fruitful.

Chalobah partnered fellow Watford new-boy Will Hughes during the Under-21s' run to the semi-finals in this year's European Championships, with both already tipped for a senior squad call-up should they enjoy profitable seasons.

Southgate said: "I think that with Nathaniel, it’s always going to be harder to break into the top six than further down the league because the level of player needed is high and the opportunity to get in the best from around the world is there.

"I think if Nathaniel had stayed at Chelsea this year he might have got more matches and progressed.

"But he’s taken the decision to look elsewhere and maybe get a guarantee of more games and, hopefully, for his personal development that’ll prove to be the right decision."