Southgate swells with pride
19: ● England were on the brink of relegation but their fightback took them to the top of Group A4, above Spain and relegated Croatia. They can look forward to playing in the semifinals in June next year.
this year.
England’s fightback took them to the top of Group A4, above Spain and relegated Croatia, and they can look forward to playing in the last four in June next year.
“I’m hugely proud. We’ve grown together. We’ve improved every step,” Southgate said.
“This was another big occasion. There was plenty of pressure on the game but we coped really well.
“We had good chances and should have been ahead. Then we had to show resilience to stay in the game. We saw the game through with some maturity.
“They should be very proud of what they have done. This is a significant step for us.”
It was a cathartic moment for England, who have made a habit of suffering painful defeats against Croatia, with this year’s World Cup woe following the 2007 loss that cost them a place at Euro 2008.
The performance provided further tangible proof that Southgate is building a team capable of challenging for the major prizes after years of under- achievement.
Southgate and his players have changed perceptions of the England team among a previously jaded sporting public over the last year and the Three Lions coach took pride in the jubilant response of fans to their victory.
“The most pleasing thing was the connection with the fans,” Southgate said.