KANE THE SAVIOUR
Spurs ace saves the day as Southgate admits England have long way to go
LONDON to deal with in terms of expectation and criticism of their performances, it’s tough for them,” Southgate said.
“They’re young players that we have to try and get behind. They’re giving absolutely everything they’ve got. They don’t have Champions League or league championship winning medals throughout this group.
“They’re a work in progress. But they will give everything they’ve got for the shirt and they are going to improve over the next few years.
“They’re suffering the consequences of 25 years, 30 years, 40 years (of underachievement). That isn’t their fault. We have to give them the belief and the backing to go and achieve.”
Immediately after the game, the Football Association announced England will play friendlies against Brazil and world champions Germany at Wembley in November.
Their next task is a trip to Lithuania for their final Group F game on Sunday and although it is now a dead rubber, Southgate said he will not release any players from his squad.
“We have to assess where we are injury-wise, but I won’t be releasing players,” he told his postmatch press conference.
“But there will be England supporters going to Lithuania and we have a duty to put in a performance. We want to stay unbeaten and win the game.
An attendance of only 61,598 – just over two thirds of Wembley’s capacity — reflected the depths to which England have sunk in the popularity stakes, a year on from their Euro 2016 humiliation by Iceland.
Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec revealed he will step down after his side’s final game at home to Scotland.
Slovenia can still mathematically secure a play-off place, but must beat Scotland and hope Slovakia slip up at home to minnows Malta.
“For Slovenian football that means no World Cup,” Katanec said. AFP