Raheem dive row

around the keeper and stick it in the back of the net.

“It’s actually a conversation we had with everybody, for that very reason. There was a meeting in the morning.

“Not that we are looking to get away with anything – but if we thought we could, that’s gone.

“We have to be vigilant in all areas of the pitch.”

Southgate admitted Sterling only started Saturday’s game because of the recent controversy surrounding him.

Sterling, 23, said after the match he feared the axe and Southgate did consider dropping him after he was forced to apologise for linking up late with the squad following a trip to see his family in Jamaica.

“I have been a player and I know that when things get sloppy, standards drop and we have to make sure they do not drop,” Southgate said.

“Of course, I had a conversation with him around what our expectations were. But I knew if I left him out after everything that has happened there’s a huge story and I wanted him to play.

“I wanted him to get on with his football as quickly as possible.”

Southgate also revealed he believes he has to police his players, as their lack of experience means they can’t yet be trusted to do it themselves.

He said: “I don’t think we are at that stage where they are ready to do that, to take total ownership of those decisions because of their age and their experience.

“But also, it is wrong not to give them some responsibility because without it how will they grow and improve?

“You have to accept at times there will be mistakes.”