SOUTHGATE WANTS STARS TO BECOME WORLD No 1

GARETH SOUTHGATE has challenged his England squad to become the best in the world. The England manager held a post-World Cup debrief with his players ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League clash with Spain at Wembley in which he told them to target first place in the FIFA rankings as they kick-off life after Russia. England currently lie in sixth spot and, while no timescale was mentioned,

Sportsmail understands Southgate has set achieving the top ranking as one of his squad’s goals. The group were made to study their World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia, with attention focused on how Luka Modric and Co stopped England playing out from the back and forced them to go long, often giving away possession. Statistics were used to back up the argument. Southgate also identified a lack of pressing high up the field by England, which allowed their opponents to get forward and put dangerous crosses in. A shortage of chances created from open play was also discussed, although pressing is thought to have been the main focus. This week, the squad have worked on playing out from the back under pressure, pressing their opponents and capitalising on opportunities to unlock defences. But England, who rose six places to sixth in the world after the World Cup, will have their work cut out if they are to rise to a top spot currently occupied by world champions France. They are followed in the rankings by Belgium, Brazil, Croatia and Uruguay, while tomorrow’s opponents Spain lie in ninth place. Germany will be keen on lifting themselves from a lowly 15th. Just two of England’s eight goals in the tournament came from open play and while that has also been highlighted by Southgate, there is a confidence that — given the creative talent in the ranks — chances will not be hard to come by. Following the Spain match, England take on Switzerland in a friendly at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday.