SOUTHGATE’S LOFTY WORLD CUP AMBITIONS

ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate will discover his World Cup destiny next week.

Southgate flies to Russia ahead of next Friday’s draw with the intention of nailing down England’s base camp, hotel and training pitch.

They are expected to stay at a resort 20 miles outside St Petersburg and have already started to lay the turf for a training camp.

Then on to Moscow where the draw will be made and England’s fate decided because a kind group would surely see them reach the knock-out phase.

Four years ago, former FA chairman Greg Dyke made a cut-throat gesture after England were drawn with

Uruguay, Costa Rica and Italy.

England were home before the postcards and even though Southgate is making steady progress, he knows they cannot afford another failure.

Everything is on course after two moraleboosting results against Germany and Brazil.

Just imagine how high morale would be if England had actually managed a goal?

Southgate has now set his heart on using a back three in a 5-3-2 formation.

The back-to-back friendlies suddenly put Ruben Loftus-cheek (above) in the frame and Jordan Pickford also did himself a power of good.

But two Manchester United players – perhaps with less fanfare – enhanced their chances at the get-together.

Ashley Young had almost become England’s forgotten man despite being so consistent for United, while being able to fill in at wing-back, fullback or even midfield.

Jesse Lingard (below) is a favourite of Southgate’s, having come through the ranks at England level, and can also play different roles.

Lingard is bright, has a cheeky sense of humour and is a popular member of the squad, which is important at a tournament.

The new system opens the door for players like Lingard, who impressed as a substitute in the draw with Brazil. “We think we are on the right road in terms of the system,” said Southgate.

“It also allows some of the players that aren’t here to fit in and give us other options. Jesse Lingard really linked the game together against Brazil, playing with intelligence on the ball.”

As Southgate waits with bated breath on the World Cup draw, his team is already taking shape.