gareth southgate
Manager vows to “attack” the tournament
There has been a refreshing sense of optimism and openness around the England camp as they prepare to fly out to Russia.
But it’s been a different story over in France, where Paul Pogba has been the victim of the boo-boys.
The Manchester United midfielder was jeered by a section of the French crowd during their friendly win over Italy in Nice last Friday.
It comes after a difficult season for United, during which Pogba didn’t always hit the heights that go along with his £89m price tag.
The past week has seen Pogba forced to defend himself, with help from his French team- mates. The subject of whether he should start France’s opening World Cup match with Australia next Saturday has dominated the media across the Channel.
Pogba is a footballer who divides opinion, but according to his United team-mate Jesse Lingard, people don’t see the real person.
The pair have known each other for years, ever since Pogba first came over to England as a 16-year-old.
And Lingard is amazed at the amount of focus that his friend has to deal with all the time.
“Of course, it is unfair that the spotlight is always on Paul,” said Lingard. “But he is always going to get that.
“As long as I have known him, from when he was young, he’s been so down to earth. He is so humble.
“He’s a great human being, and he takes that onto the pitch as well.
“He helps you along the way out there, and he’s provided some important goals and assists for us this season.
“Paul is only going to get better. He’s still young and is still learning the game. The world is at his feet.
“He played a lot of games for Juventus and won a lot of trophies over there. He has brought that experience with him.
“Everyone knows what Paul is about and he is a great lad. The performances he has put in for Manchester United this season have been great as well.
“Paul also helps the younger lads, but people don’t focus on his good qualities. It’s the same for every footballer.
“People think I’m always messing about and dancing, but they don’t know the real person.
“Until you meet that person in the flesh, people can’t really judge a player from what they have seen in the media.”