NOW we are ready to take on the heavyweights

SOUTHGATE WARNS BIG GUNS: ENGLAND ARE NO LONGER RUNNING SCARED..

GARETH SOUTHGATE believes his England players are ready to come of age on the world stage and no longer fear anyone.

He admits the record-breaking win over Panama was a game changer for the team because it has allowed everyone to be carried away by World Cup fever.

Supporters have been swept along, the players are on cloud nine and, most importantly, Southgate is beginning to dream, insisting his men can compete with the best.

France, Brazil, Spain and Belgium are way ahead of England in the bookies’ odds to win the trophy but Southgate says his players are gaining belief and confidence with every victory.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve played all the top teams,” said the Three Lions boss. “We haven’t been able to beat any of these teams yet.

“We knows the level the likes of France and Brazil and Spain are capable of hitting. We all know the quality of the Belgium squad.

“But we think we can be competitive in all those games. We are improving and the lads are gaining belief in what we are doing and confidence from their performances.

“I’ve said all along I don’t want to limit what they feel is possible.”

There is a difference between this squad and those of previous tournaments, with the spirit in the camp one of being underdogs rather than being run by big egos. That is something Southgate is keen to build on.

“I think it’s an important moment to get the music on and have a couple of beers,” said Southgate after the Panama game.

“I’m back to enjoying the win, enjoying the fact we’ve qualified and then we can start the process of the next phase of what we’re trying to do.

“When I look back, we didn’t really enjoy qualifying as much as we should have done, so we want to get that right.

“You don’t often have moments like that as a manager at any level. For it to be at a World Cup is, yes, bizarre.

“It’s nice not to be up to your necks in tension but equally you’re looking for the players to be tested and ways to improve.

“I know what it means to the supporters. I always wanted that connection as a player, with all the clubs I was at and England as well.they have been brilliant.

“Everybody’s saying there aren’t many here, but there’s