Gaffer ushers in open season
DAYS TO GO
GARETH SOUTHGATE has claimed an ‘open’ environment in the England camp has seen team spirit rocket.
And he believes England stars will go into the World Cup watching each other’s backs with fans more on their side than they’ve ever been.
After Tottenham star Danny Rose revealed his depression and family torment in a searingly honest interview last week, Southgate believes laying out their stories is making his new breed of stars more accessible to the public.
“Opening up is not a comfortable space for us to be at times but it helps to build a togetherness,” said Southgate.
“Trust is a really good word. You get a closer connection. We are proud to represent everybody, but the guy sitting next to you is the most important one going into this tournament.
“You have to be there for him, to support him, to be available when he needs to pass the ball to you and you’ve got to be covering his back if he slips or makes a mistake. That’s what we have to engender.
“We are happy for the players to talk about their lives. Sometimes, there is a perception of the players that comes from people not really knowing them and their back story.
“I think there’s been a disconnect from the country and the fans with the players.
“We recognise that. Part of that was maybe not knowing how much they care and not knowing their backgrounds so we have tried to have an effect on that.
“We have said, ‘Get your story out there, let people know, what is there to hold back’. I think the guys are seeing the benefits of that.
“I’m not sure if that’s why Danny said what he did. It feels to me as if he wanted to get something out and I’m sure he’s relieved to have done that from the tone of the words he used. I’m very proud of what he has done.”
Southgate admits he’s been amazed at the way his stars have accepted everything he’s thrown at them with no complaint.
“They play with an exuberance and energy and with a lot of pace throughout the team,” he said.
“And that is allowing us to create an environment where they are actually having a go at things we are asking them to do when sometimes I think, ‘They are never going to go for this’.
“They are at times painstakingly putting up with things I throw their way.
“That would be more difficult with older players.
“They would possibly be a lot less open to new suggestions. But this group are having a go at everything.”
Southgate added: “We have discussed the possible situation over racism, which was an important connection between the team.
“We ask them to open tactical discussions. They know they can have an input. We want them to have some ownership.
“They are a pleasure to work with and keen to show people how much it means to them to play for England.”