Daily Mirror

Good teams wear down rivals. That’s what we did

SOUTHGATE SALUTES HIS STARS AFTER LATE SHOW

- BY DARREN LEWIS @MirrorDarr­en

GARETH SOUTHGATE saluted his last-action England heroes for doing what “good teams” do against Tunisia.

Southgate celebrated wildly, leaping high on the touchline and punching the air when Harry Kane scored the late winner.

The Three Lions boss said: “Good teams wear teams down and score late goals and that is what we have done. We had to stay patient. We waited for good opportunit­ies.

“We made so many clearcut chances, especially in the first half. I’m really pleased.”

England hammered away at Nabil Maaloul’s side and shrugged off having several penalty shouts ignored to grab a vital three points.

Southgate added: “I thought even if we had drawn I would have been proud of the performanc­e.

“We will do well to make as many chances in a game in this tournament. The pleasing thing was we kept going. Team selection was so difficult, but we got this result from the last three weeks not just tonight and that is down to the work that everyone has done.

“We have given ourselves a great platform. There is a lot of work to do.

“Panama will be a tough test because they will be disappoint­ed with their game today. Harry Kane is a top striker. I’m delighted for him. If he hadn’t scored tonight we would be asking questions about him not scoring in tournament­s, but he got his goals and I’m so pleased for him.” England next play Panama – who lost 3-0 to Belgium yesterday – in their next Group G game on Sunday. Liverpool midfielder

 ??  ?? THAT’S SO HANDY Stones gets a hug from the manager and Henderson thanks the England fans
THAT’S SO HANDY Stones gets a hug from the manager and Henderson thanks the England fans
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