3 STEPS TO HEAVEN

Southgate tells Lions to seize their ‘best’ chance

GARETH SOUTHGATE has told his England players they must seize the “opportunity” of a lifetime in this World Cup.

Southgate has been reluctant to talk up his team’s chances but England are just three wins from lifting the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

Victory this afternoon would secure a first semifinal for 28 years and he said: “This might be one of

Don’t get too excited England fans, but now Brazil are out as well! #ItsComingHome

the best opportunities we ever have and we don’t want to fall short by not being prepared or committed to what we’re doing. Southgate (right) added: “I’m bloody proud of being English… football’s got a great ability to unite people and really bring positivity in moments like this. “I’ve just got to focus on what I am doing really and what I am is desperate to do well for my country. To effect something like that is really special. “We’re in a really good position, and we’ve made progress, but we’re still a team which is learning. “I think the players will like the fact that they’re still a long way away from their peak. “We have got to have the ambition to go beyond where we are now.”