England boss Gareth is ready to go on all-out attack for any success
England manager Gareth Southgate’s message to the nation is clear ahead of the World Cup: “We want to attack the tournament”.
Southgate has overseen a very successful pre-World Cup camp. There have been no dramas – or sagas – hanging over the group.
Both friendlies have been won – with no major injury concerns. There is good competition for places, and the players have been open and engaging in their dealings with the media.
It has all helped to create a quiet belief that Southgate’s group of young Lions can go and make a big impression.
Many of the players have publicly talked about wanting to go on and win the World Cup.
While not quite going that far, Southgate likes the positive attitude his players are showing. And he doesn’t think England are going to Russia to make up the numbers.
“We want to go as far as we possibly can,” he says.
“None of us are going to get excited and get out of bed for just getting out of the group. But we have to play and prepare perfectly to get out of the group.
“What is pleasing me, is the players are embracing the way we are working.
“Their professionalism in training is top, their competitiveness is really good, and they are taking on the tactical understanding.
“The spirit they have between them is notable and gives us a really good platform to build on.
“Why would I limit what the the players feel is possible? My job is to allow people to dream, and to make the impossible seem possible.
“They are at an age with a hunger and enthusiasm and no little quality. But we have to improve to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
“That will take a lot of hard work over the next few weeks. But I am seeing evidence that they are embracing the challenge.”
Only five of Southgate’s 23-man squad have been to a World Cup before and their average age is 26. Only Nigeria have a younger group in Russia.
There is a fresh feel to the squad and, without too many scars of the past, the England boss senses a positive dynamic.
“There is an optimism about youth,” he admits. “They believe anything is possible, which it is.
“They play with exuberance, energy and a lot of pace throughout the team. That allows us to create an environment where they are actually having a go at things.
“At times, they are painstakingly putting up with things I throw their way.
“That would be more difficult with older players. They would possibly be less malleable and less open to new suggestions.
“But they are having a go at everything. They are keen to show people how much it means to them to play for England.
“You are starting to hear some of their own stories and backgrounds, which is important. We are all England fans. You have seen pictures of them. I am the same.
“I have a picture of myself in an England shirt from 1982 at home, I’m lucky that there are some of me in a shirt playing. Now I am proud to lead the team.
“That goes right through the group. We are looking forward to going and we are going to attack the tournament.”
Already in the build-up, Raheem Sterling has explained the reasons for his tattoo of a gun and Danny Rose has opened up about his battle with depression.
Southgate feels that seeing the human side of the players is helping to rebuild the bond with the fans.
“There has been a disconnect from the country and the fans with the players,” he adds.
“We recognise that, but part of that was not knowing how much they care. So we have tried to have an effect on that.
“We have picked players who are good people and are good to be around. They are a pleasure to work with. You don’t often say that about a lot of players, but they are. It’s enjoyable to be part of this team.”