Southgate’s men hit six is stronger than last year

STAR QUALITY England goalscorer Jude Bellingham celebrates with Mason Mount

GARETH SOUTHGATE believes the Class of 22 is better than last year’s vintage.

And the England boss even revealed he thought some of his forwards were well below par at the Euros.

England started their World Cup campaign in wonderful style as Southgate released the handbrake and they hit Iran for six.

Now, England face the United States tonight with Southgate claiming he has more attacking options.

“I see more of our attacking players in a better moment than they were in the Euros, perhaps,” said Southgate. “I know people talked a lot about the depth we had then.

“But I didn’t see, for some of the squad, that they were in a really good moment when you were looking to make changes. “Now, I’m looking at training and it’s at a really good level amongst the group and they’re making decisions harder.

“I’m always thinking if there’s an injury to a player, ‘Well, OK who’s the next one in?’ It’s an opportunity for someone else.” Incredibly, Harry Kane was not among those six goals when England thrashed

CHILL FACTOR Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane in relaxed mood at training