DON’T SWITCH OFF OR WE’LL GO BELLY UP
Southgate ‘softie’ warning for Scots clash
GARETH SOUTHGATE celebrated England’s first opening European Championship win like the rest of us – but he also delivered a gentle warning not to get too “puddingy” ahead of Friday’s clash with Scotland.
Seeing his selections – Tyrone Mings, Kalvin Phillips, right, and goalscorer Raheem Sterling – vindicated with victory over Croatia, Southgate leapt into the arms of assistant Steve Holland at the final whistle.
But he was wise enough to calm the furore in the moments after those celebrations, with Scotland looming in England’s next Group D game on Friday.
“It feels great to have been able to send fans home happy and have fans up and down the country feeling happy – that is very special,” he said.
“It is a positive step in terms of qualification, but the thing is sport is to come back to that point where you were before kick-off for the next game.
“The glow of the win can make you a bit soft and a bit puddingy when you poke your finger in your belly. We have to make sure we are ready for what is going to be an incredible game against Scotland and a huge challenge.
“We shall enjoy tonight, but we have a very important game for us and our fans on Friday night.”
Mings would not have started yesterday had Harry Maguire not injured an ankle playing for Manchester United against his Aston Villa side in May.
But the centre-half took his chance in defence alongside John Stones to such an extent that, even if Maguire is available for Friday, Mings could very well be the man who gets the nod.
Defensively, England were excellent here at Wembley — not just the back four but to a man.
Suddenly, the area of the team that has been such a concern in the build-up does not look so problematic.
Mings said: “We felt composed and like we were in good shape. The players who came on were brilliant and gave us a new lease of life as well and some energy and that’s what’s going to be important for us, utilising the whole squad.
“It’s a dream come true to play in a major tournament for England. I loved every second.
“It was probably the hottest game I’ve played in but the team showed a lot of grit, a lot of determination and a lot of quality at times as well, so we’re over the moon.”
England’s victory came courtesy of Sterling’s first goal at a major tournament. Mings said: “I can’t even remember it if I’m honest. I know Kalvin Phillips put in a lot of good work and then Raz has the quality in front of goal and the composure, as he has shown many, many times, to finish.
England’s victory puts them in a good position going into the clash with the Auld Enemy.
Mings said: “The lads are now fully focused on that game and it’ll be one hell of an occasion.”