Now write your own history, boys...
GARETH Southgate last night urged his young lions to victory as their bid for World Cup glory hits the knockout stages.
The boss said destiny was in their own hands ahead of tonight’s vital last-16 clash with Colombia.
With the team now one of the favourites and hopes soaring he added: “They have the opportunity to write their own history.”
GARETH Southgate sends his young lions into action tonight with a military rallying cry ringing in their ears in their battle for World Cup glory.
The England manager yesterday invoked the spirit of the Royal Marines by recalling a night the boys spent camping with the crack troops in a bid to boost team spirit.
All eyes will be on Moscow at 7pm as captain Harry Kane leads out the players against Colombia in the last-16 clash – with the nation coming to a standstill and hopes of reaching the final soaring.
And Southgate told the stars destiny is in their own hands as England try to reach our first World Cup quarter final in 12 years. Speaking of the exercise with the Marines in Devon last summer, he said: “They are an elite organisation who represent our country incredibly proudly.
“It was good for our guys to get an understanding of the fact that when they represent their country the consequences of failure are far more serious. It is putting it in the
Southgate invokes Marines’ spirit in team talk for Colombia match
context of playing a football match. But the age of the guys in the Marines is similar to our team.
“It is more than 10 years since we won a big knockout fixture. But for this team it is the opportunity to go beyond where more experienced teams have gone.
“They are relishing that chance. The lads have the chance to write their own stories now.
“They have the opportunity to write their own history. They want to do well for their country, they are proud to wear the shirt.”
Winger Ashley Young added: “It was good to hear the Marines’ stories. They talked about
togetherness and we have that. We have to be brave as well.
“It was important everybody knew the National Anthem and sang their hearts out. It is different to the past, that is something the manager has instilled into us.”
Around 25 million TV viewers, almost half the nation, will be watching the clash against the South Americans after rushing home or flocking to pubs.
The National Grid predicts a power surge at half-time as fans open fridges for drinks or put on kettles for cuppas.
England fans last night gathered in Red Square ahead of tonight’s clash at the Spartak stadium. Gary Craft, 58, and daughter Izzi were among them. Retail consultant Gary, of Bloxham, Oxon, said: “This is the first time I have been optimistic in a very long time.”
Izzi, 25 – an international business development worker, was also hopeful. She added: “Germany are out. I think Southgate has been really good for England.”
Brothers Josh, 25, and Sam Keates, 30, had partied in Moscow after Russia’s shock penalty shoot-out victory over Spain.
Sam said: “The atmosphere was just brilliant. There were about 25,000 Russian fans going crazy. It was unbelievable.” Josh, who works in Formula One, added: “We keep getting stopped for photos because we are in our England tops. I just hope they can do it.”
But amid the wave of optimism, former England captain Alan Shearer urged caution – as bookies made England joint second favourites to win the World Cup.
The Match of the Day pundit said: “We have won two knockout games at World Cups since 1990, against Denmark and Ecuador. Before we get carried away, let’s deal with Colombia first.”
Of course, it could come down to the dreaded penalties – and we all know about England’s record there.
But fit-again midfielder Dele Alli said: “We have worked hard on penalties. I am confident in myself.”
Clouds and rain in Russia have boosted England’s chances by bringing down temperatures.
Colombia supporters have made a 7,000-mile trip to be here but should outnumber England
fans by two to one.
FOOTBALL is a sport played one game at a time but England fans are right to dream when there might never be a better route to a World Cup final.
Colombia are not to be sniffed at but the disappointment would be immense should Gareth Southgate’s boys slip up in Russia.
This is a golden chance for Harry Kane’s team to make us proud and show the world 1966 wasn’t a one-off.
Many supporters joke that it’s the hope they can’t stand but England’s fans are on this occasion entitled to expect a win to keep the dream alive.
In these troubled times, success at the World Cup gives us all something to cheer.