Southgate: Seize this big chance

Gareth Southgate called on England’s players to grasp their opportunity to make the nation proud ahead of their date with World Cup destiny.

After years of waning enthusiasm, the Three Lions have captivated a public that had largely become disconnected with its ailing national team.

But this likeable and open group has inspired fans, with England following their last-gasp win against Tunisia by thrashing Panama to reach the last 16 with a match to spare.

Southgate is confident that the second string’s defeat to Belgium’s back-ups has not thrown preparations off kilter heading into the crunch clash with Colombia, with his fearless young players having the chance to “write their own stories” tonight.

“I think life is always about opportunity presenting itself and taking control of it, taking charge of it,” the England boss said in the bowels of the Spartak Stadium.

“We said we didn’t want this tournament to take hold of us and push us around. We wanted to attack it and make sure we were in charge of our destiny.

“Of course, once you get to these games there are really fine margins, so there are games that you know as a team if you want to progress to have success, you have to win these matches.

“All our preparations around that we feel we are in a good place. Now we have to stop talking and go and deliver.”

Southgate’s belief in his team to do just that is palpable. He said his players had “trained like Trojans” and has seen a close bond complemented by no little talent in Russia.

Transmitting that on to the field in Moscow would see England win their first knockout match since 2006.

“The lads don’t need to worry about that (the past),” added Southgate. “I think the performances have been good.”