LET’S BE WORLD NO 1
Southgate challenges England to top rankings
GARETH SOUTHGATE has challenged his england squad to become the best in the world.
the england manager held a post-World Cup debrief with his players ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League clash with Spain at Wembley in which he told them to target first place in the FIFA rankings as they begin life after russia. england lie sixth and while no timescale was mentioned, Southgate set reaching the top ranking as one of his squad’s goals.
the group studied the heartbreaking
World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia and examined statistics about the match during training. Focus was placed on how Croatia stopped England playing out from the back and forced them to hit long balls, often giving away possession. Southgate also identified a lack of pressing high up the field by England, which allowed their opponents to get forward and put dangerous crosses in. A shortage of chances created from open play has also been discussed. Meanwhile, England players have given the goahead for the FA to end their affiliation with the management company 1966 Entertainment in a move that will see them gain greater control of their commercial work. Discussions with the FA and 1966 Entertainment — who play a key role in the commercial activity of England players — over ending their long-standing agreement are now at an advanced stage, with a formal parting of the ways inevitable.