Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Boss Southgate vows to focus on England’s World Cup preparation
GARETH Southgate is focused on England’s World Cup preparations rather than quietening critics, meaning promising performances from his experimental side were as important as the result against Italy.
It is just over five months until the Three Lions kick off their quest to be crowned world champions in Qatar, where they will face Iran, the United States and neighbours Wales in the group stage.
England now only have three more matches until the tournament gets under way, which is why manager Southgate has tried different systems and personnel during June’s Nations League fixtures.
The Three Lions lost 1-0 in Hungary and drew 1-1 in Germany before Saturday’s drab 0-0 draw with inexperienced Italy – a match that saw the manager attempt to hone and fine-tune at this “incredibly complicated” time. “We’re trying to set out the best possible way to get through these games, learn as much as we can, of course with a desire to win, but there is a bigger objective for us at the end of the year as well,” Southgate said.
“What I didn’t want to do was keep rolling out the same team, because a win might relieve a bit of tension on my shoulders when the more important thing is the team and how we progress ahead of the World Cup.
“So, for me, it was really important to see those players come in and play as well as they did.
“And that was as important today as the result.”
More changes are in store as England round off their run of four matches in 11 days against Hungary tomorrow at a sold-out Molineux.
“Well, to win the group, we need to win tomorrow night,” said Southgate.