Time to get down to big business now, insists Southgate
GARETH Southgate insists the “big business starts now” as England look forward to a World Cup showdown with African champions Senegal on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford’s double strike came either side of Phil Foden’s goal in the 3-0 triumph over Wales that sealed top spot in the group and sparked alcohol-free celebrations in Qatar, having toasted progress with a beer in Russia four years ago.
“We’ve got loads of milkshake back at the hotel,” boss Southgate said with a smile.
“Everything is different, isn’t it? We’re embracing it. We love our base camp, the people that are operating the hotel are fabulous people. Really we couldn’t be happier.
“We’re enjoying each other’s company and the players are really tight, so to this point we’re very pleased. Of course the big business starts now.”
Foden did his chances of a greater role on Sunday no harm in Al Rayyan, but it was Rashford who made the greatest case to start against Senegal.
The 25-year-old has three goals in as many games at this World Cup, with his goal off the bench against Iran coming on his first England appearance since missing his penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout.
“It’s been a challenge for him,” said Southgate, who was unaware that the man-of-the-match’s friend
Garfield Hayward, to whom Rashford dedicated his goals, had died in the build-up to the game.
“I went and saw him in the summer, had a long chat with him and he had some clear ideas on things that he felt he needed to think about and to do.
“We’ve got a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer. But great for him and because it’s great for him it’s great for us.”