I’M NOT THE MESSIAH

Southgate calls for patience from the fans

GARETH SOUTHGATE insists he is not England’s ‘messiah’ as he prepares for the biggest night of his managerial career.

Defeat against Slovakia at Wembley tonight would leave England’s World Cup qualification destiny out of their own hands.

English football is in the doldrums after a string of poor showings at major tournaments, culminating in last summer’s humiliating loss to Iceland at Euro 2016.

But Southgate claims he is not a miracle worker, saying: ‘If we’re looking for some kind of messiah to change things, I don’t think that’s realistic.’

Southgate is set to unleash Marcus Rashford at Wembley leaving Raheem Sterling, who was substituted at half-time of Friday night’s 4-0 win over Malta, fearing the axe. ‘We really like his (Rashford) mentality so we wouldn’t hesitate to start him,’ said Southgate.

Eric Dier, who missed the weekend victory through suspension, is poised to return to the starting XI in place of Jake Livermore.

England were booed off at half-time in Malta and many travelling fans left before the final whistle in protest at yet another insipid display.

But Southgate has urged supporters to get behind his team and said: ‘Is it (fans’ criticism) helpful for the team? I don’t see how it can be helpful. But we have to get on and perform as we did and play through it. I hope the fans really get behind us.’

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