Southgate is clear on goal for England

ENGLAND’S ambition to become the best in the world was laid out in a powerful presentation by manager Gareth Southgate, but Wayne Rooney was not there to hear it.

For too long the Three Lions have fallen flat at major tournaments, failing to make it out of their group at the last World Cup before bowing out to minnows Iceland at Euro 2016.

Southgate (inset below) spoke of the need for English football to shed its island mentality ahead of his first matches since being given the reins, with tomorrow’s opponents Germany role models for the improvements required.

Ahead of his first match in the permanent role the manager made a presentation to his players outlining his vision for the future, with those around the squad invited to yesterday’s meeting subject to club commitments.

Rooney was chief among them but remained in Manchester to undergo treatment on an injury sustained in a collision with Phil Jones, missing a meeting that new boy James Ward-Prowse revealed underlined England’s lofty ambitions.

“It was a very powerful message,” the Southampton midfielder and England Under-21s captain said, before confirming Rooney was not there.

“It is one that the Under-21s have received before, sort of highlighted about the highs and lows of a career and the ambitions that he sees for us.

“And you know, we want to establish ourselves as a top team in the world.

“So it is all about plugging away at those goals and making sure that what we do now stands us in good stead for when we reach major tournaments.”

Asked what the goal is, Ward-Prowse added: “I think obviously we want to be the best in the world.

“If you want to win major tournaments, then you’ve got to become that sort of team.

“In every department we all want to be the best and make sure we give ourselves a chance to succeed.”