OUR TIME TO STRIKE

Birthday-boy Young reveals how team psychologist has got Three Lions believing they can go all the way

ASHLEY YOUNG has outlined the growing influence of England’s psychologist in helping the players believe they can win the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate’s stars have been on an incredible ride, surpassing expectations to reach the semi-finals for the first time in 28 years.

England have gone from the humiliation of losing to Iceland

at Euro 2016, when their mental strength was identified by former boss Roy Hodgson as the key weakness, to the brink of a World Cup final.

And the FA’s head of People and Team Development, Pippa Grange (right), has played a key role.

Yorkshire-born Grange, a naturalised Australian, took up her role in November and has been with the team throughout the tournament. And Young says she has played a big part in helping them prepare and recover.

Young said: “She has been fantastic throughout her time with the squad. Different people will talk to her at different times.

“We fly back straight after the games and recover in the right way. There are only a few days in between the games but we prepare in the right way.

“The fitness coaches have been unbelievable and the psychologists have helped as well. Each player knows his own body and knows how to prepare and be ready for the games.

“Our preparations for the game ahead will be no different to the way we’ve prepared for the other games.”

The influence of psychologists has increased since Euro 2016, Sam Allardyce stressing their importance during his brief tenure.

Then Southgate took the job and the players have since been encouraged to use Grange when they want. She has also been involved in team meetings and planning.

There is a clear belief within the squad that they can reach the final – a lack of mental strength and confidence will not be an issue this time around.

Young added: “We haven’t come this far not to go on and win it.

“A lot has been said about the squad being young. Yes it’s young but it’s also experienced. A lot of the players have played at the highest level and won trophies. That will always help when you’re at a big tournament.

“Everyone is enjoying what we’re doing and what we’ve done so far. But there’s still so much to play for, and possibly two big games coming up.

“I think we’ve got a great chance. We are in a great position to go on and win it.

“I said before the start of the tournament that we’re not going out there just for the ride and I think we’ve got ourselves in a great position.”

Young believes the demands placed on tomorrow’s semi-final opponents Croatia by two knockout matches that went to extra time will work in England’s favour.

“It is demanding on the body to go 120 minutes in a game and then obviously you’ve got to fly back to base as well,” he said. “Croatia have now done it twice so it could be a major advantage for us.

“But we know it is going to be a tough game and we’ve got to be mentally and physically prepared for what they will throw at us.”

Young celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday – but a party is on hold until after the tournament. He added: “I’ve got no plans. Just recovery and prepare for the game on Wednesday.

“I had some nice stuff from the FA in my room, a few balloons and cards, and a few sweets which we won’t tell the fitness staff about!

“Yeah, I’m another year older – not as young as some of the other guys here!”