General Southgate: We are comrades and commandos

GARETH SOUTHGATE will send his World Cup troops into battle against Tunisia tomorrow with a simple message – remember your commando training.

With the clock ticking down to England’s kick-off at Russia 2018, memories of the two gruelling days spent at the mercy of the Royal Marines Commandos last year in Devon will be replayed over and over.

That weekend of self-discovery and bonding will be referenced by Southgate when he prepares his stars for a game that could prove pivotal to hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.

He said: “For me, the greatest outcome was that we worked as one team – support staff and players.

“There was a real connection formed between everybody, and it was also a great life experience for everybody. We’re always thinking about football and the small world we’re in, but we had life experiences that’ll stay with us forever. “We’ve seen the Royal Marines standards and the pride they have in their identity and the green beret, which is a powerful message for us to link with the Three Lions. We’ve got to be brave in terms of how we play and what we do. Southgate added: “The Marines talk about a dislocated expectation, and that was part of the theme of the camp – how adaptable will we be in moments of difficulty for us as a team? “These guys represent Queen and country and we do the same. But the consequences of failure for the Royal Marines are far higher. That gives us a good context and comparison.”