England looking for WC momentum to excel

ENGLAND are looking to carry the momentum from a successful World Cup with them as they set off on their latest journey.

Two months after reaching the semifinals in Russia, England return to action tomorrow against Spain in the new Nations League tournament.

It’s the first step on the road to Euro 2020, and Jordan Henderson sees no reason why they can’t use their best World Cup showing in 28 years as the “fuel to be better and want to be the best.”

“We had the belief we could achieve something really special and go even further,” the midfielder told the BBC.

“So we can use that and go forward.”

The young England squad – averaging just 26 years of age – received plenty of plaudits after their efforts in Russia far exceeded expectations. And manager Gareth Southgate has elected to keep the majority of the squad intact by bringing back 18 of the 23 players to start the slow build-up to the Euros.

“When you look at the squad I have named, all of that squad should be available in two years time,” Southgate said

“We only have 20 matches between now and the European Championships, we don’t want to waste time looking at new things.

“From here we have a twoyear lead into the European championships, so I want us to try and capture what we had this summer and why they felt it went well – but, once we’re through this camp, there’s going to be competition from others.”

A minor criticism of England’s summer was their results against quality teams.

They defeated Tunisia, Panama, Colombia (in a shootout) and Sweden, while losing twice to Belgium and once to eventual runners-up Croatia.

Former World Cup and European champion Spain will provide a fantastic challenge, according to Kieran Trippier.

“Obviously, Spain will be a big test and we want to play the likes of them to show that we are here and we are ready,” the defender said.

“We know the quality we have got in our dressing room and on our day we can beat anyone.

“You need to beat the best and Spain are one of the best in the world.

“We are looking forward to it, it’s a new thing that’s going on (the Nations League) and we are ready for Saturday.”

The World Cup run caught the fancy of a nation long accustomed to disappointment at tournaments.

Supporters fell in love with the players and Southgate, who even had a stop on the London Underground temporarily named in his honour, as a feel-good atmosphere enveloped the squad and pubic.

And though they came up a bit short, Trippier wants the fans to come along again on the next ride.

“We wanted to bring the nation back with the team, we wanted to play well,” he said.

“They were all supporting us in numbers, it was crazy, the video that we saw.

“We were happy to put a smile on the nation’s face again but we have got another tough task ahead of us and, hopefully, we can make many more memories.” – dpa