REACTION FROM FORMER THREE LIONS PLAYERS
Darren Anderton, below
“This is the toughest manager’s job in the world and it doesn’t faze him [Southgate]. Whether we have a result like we did [against Denmark] or beating Germany 2-0, which is close to his heart after what we went through 25 years ago, or a poor performance like we did against Scotland, he doesn’t get carried away either way. It’s great to see him enjoy this success because he deserves it.”
Peter Reid
“The manager has been outstanding. The players have been magnificent, the crowds magnificent. They’ve just got to go and win it now. First of all [Southgate] was working with the Under-21s so he has known some of these lads a long time. He’s made our national team like a club side in spirit. And nothing gets to him. There’s pressure on them, being at home, and they’ve handled it. Besides being good footballers doing their jobs they’ve got a spirit which I love.”
Peter Shilton
“When he [Southgate] took over I wasn’t sure his credentials matched the job but he’s proven me and a lot of people wrong. He’s grown into the job, set out principles. When we came back from Italia 90 [after losing in the semi-finals] there were 300,000 to 400,000 people for an open-top bus parade. Gareth turned that down [in 2018].”
Chris Waddle, below “We have to win it now, it’s feet back on the ground. Everyone enjoyed it
[against Denmark] but now we come up against one of the most experienced teams in world football in Italy.“
Tony Adams
“I’m very proud of him [Southgate], proud of all the guys. Yeah, 25 years ago I led my country, we got to the semi-final, got close, we went out on penalties and it’s great to see Gareth there [winning at Wembley]. I’m proud of him. I texted him the other day to say congratulations because I felt so proud to be his pal. He came back with a beautiful answer. He said, ‘Thank God my mum and dad don’t have to put up with all that pain anymore’. He was more concerned about his family and that they can put it behind them and forget that.
“And he’s making a new story, making a new path for these new young players. Most of them weren’t born when he missed that penalty.”
Teddy Sheringham, below
“Gareth has them all playing in the right mode and they are all behind him. Some of the decisions, you raise the eyebrows but he is getting results and you have to believe in him. It started with the Croatia game. When you get results like that [a 1-0 win], you look at your manager and think he knows what he is talking about.
“You only have to look at Jack Grealish. He has come on and then got subbed off. To anyone else that would be heartbreaking but I am sure Gareth would have put his arm around him.”
Alan Shearer “There is a nasty side to Gareth. You can’t tell me Jack Grealish isn’t angry, hurt and disappointed. The manager now has to go and manage that and get everyone together again.”
Martin Keown
“In our generation we failed to achieve what they’re achieving and we’re so proud about what they’re doing.
“And Gareth Southgate being one of my former colleagues – I played a dozen times for England with him – I think he’s been incredible. How calm he is, the way he’s navigated the team. He should be running the country, never mind the football team! I hope at the weekend he comes up with the right answers.”