Southgate revels in adding new energy to established core of England squad
● Manager happy with the stability but astonished that Grealish is the 82nd call- up of his reign
From the end of the world to the top of it. Well, almost. That is what the fixture in Reykjavik represents to an England side that collapsed to ignominious defeat by Iceland in 2016.
The damascene episode in Nice was the moment when the shortcomings of generations seemed to gather in a kind of extinction for England.
Roy Hodgson, who, believe it or not, had begun the European Championship f i nals brightly against Russia without getting the win, was the last in a long line of managers who p r ove d i nc a p a b l e o f releasing the national side from the straightjacket more or less in place since the boys of 1966 danced across Wembley with Jules Rimet.
Only four players, skipper Harr y Kane, Raheem Sterling, Eric Dier and Kyle Walker, remain from the Nice debacle. Five when Marcus Rashford returns. Jack Grealish became the 82nd player called up by Gareth Southgate since taking over from previous manager S am Allardyce. S outhgate was stunned by the statistic, understandably so since it is at odds with the sense of stability and consistency engendered under his quietly authoritative leadership.
His England is a squad laced with enthusiasm and excitement, an ensemble balanced b y t a l e n t e d n i p p e r s a n d accomplished seniors, a meld of ambition, fearlessness and experience.
Havingcometotherole unexpectedly, firstly as an emergency locum, Southgate was never burdened by the weight of the post. He was nobody’s first choice, but now few can imagine any better equipped.
His prior experience of the j unior squads i nforms his selections in a way that seems obvious now, exemplified by the inclusion of Phil Foden, whom he coached with the
Under- 15s, but would have been a wasted resource had the Allardyce era evolved.
While Southgate marvels at the energy and sense of renewal brought about by the new arrivals such as Foden, Grealish and Mason Greenwood, he is mindful that talk of potential is a short conversation that offers little nourishment to the more mature members of his leadership group. For players such as Kane, Sterling and Walker, the time is now.
“The core has been together a little while,” said Southgate. “The younger ones have been in and around the squad. They know each other pretty well through the England youth system. And of course we have been winning matches. There is different level of confidence that needed rebuilding. We had a disappointing World Cup [ 2014], where we went out in the group stage, the Euros and then two quick changes of managers. Everything needed to stabilise a bit.”
S outhgate surprised eve -
ryone by reaching and leading at half- time a World Cup semi- final. Progression to the inaugural European Nations finals in Portugal last summer, beating Spain convincingly in Seville to get there, signposted a sea change in the England proposition.
The idea that England might go all the way and actually lift a pot of consequence no longer seemed fanciful. In that context the fixtures in Iceland and Denmark on Tuesday are of heightened significance.
“We have had a good run
for t wo or three years now. To just get to where we have been before won’t be received with as many accolades as we have in the past,” Southgate added.
“The team has to acknowledge that but they are hungry for that. That’s why Raheem and Harry being here signals that intent and that desire to take every opportunity they can both to play for England but also to win things with England.
“It’s lovely to talk about the young players because they are so exciting but we have got playersnowforwhomwinning is what it’s about with England. They have knocked on t he door a couple of times. They are at a stage of their careers, just to be here, just to be getting caps is not enough. They want to add to the successes and victories.
“You need a core that are at t hat point where t hat i s the focus. Collectively they drive the team, its habits and behaviours.”
“The core has been together a little while, The younger ones have been in and around the squad. They know each other pretty well through the England youth system”
GARETH SOUTHGATE