Gareth’s true Cup test

HAILED for modern manmanagement, openness with a normally fiercely critical press and putting his faith in youth, Gareth Southgate has avoided many of the pre-tournament pitfalls that have undone his predecessors as England boss.

However, the test of Southgate’s ability to lead on the biggest stage will come when England face Tunisia in their World Cup opener in Volgograd from 4am tomorrow.

When Southgate was promoted from his role as under-21 manager in the wake of a scandal that saw Sam Allardyce sacked after just 67 days and one match, the appointment was labelled by many as uninspiring and safe.