IT’S ALL IN THE MIND, BOYS

ENGLAND players have spoken about the growing importance of squad psychologist Dr Pippa Grange as they approach the biggest night of their careers. Dr Grange joined the Football Association in November as their head of people and team development and is playing an integral role as part of Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff here in Russia. Dele Alli said: ‘She’s done a lot of work with us, she’s an amazing person, she’s helped us a lot.’ When appointed, the 47-year-old was charged with improving the culture and mindset of England

teams to increase their ‘psychological resilience’ to the pressure of the biggest matches, a trait the national team have struggled with for decades. And Southgate’s decision to take Dr Grange (right) to Russia appears to be a masterstroke, with England winning their first major tournament knockout games since 2006 as well as overcoming a persistent failure in penalty shootouts with that nerveracking triumph over Colombia. Southgate has nurtured a relaxed atmosphere — but there is no escaping the huge pressure his players face in the lead-up to tomorrow’s chance to reach a World Cup final. Dr Grange’s expertise is proving a valuable tool and Alli added: ‘You can see how hard she works and she really knows what she’s talking about. ‘She’s done a lot of stuff with us, takes a lot of meetings. Everyone listens to her when she talks.’ Ashley Young was just as high in his praise, adding: ‘Obviously, the psychologist is there for people and is always around for people to talk to. ‘Different people will speak to her differently. She’s been fantastic throughout her time with the squad. It’s a personal preference. Of course the mental side is important, but we’ve had it since the day we arrived here. The fitness coaches have been unbelievable and the psychologists have helped as well.’ Eric Dier has revealed Dr Grange’s influence kicked in well before the tournament. ‘A lot of the work that we’ve done with her has been leading up to the tournament, the last six months,’ said the midfielder. ‘Once we came into the tournament, a lot of what she could help with had already been done so it’s been really simple. We’ve had consistency.’