Gareth Southgate reckons England have the bottle to become kings of Europe.
And he has told the critics to never question the passion and character of his Three Lions stars. Southgate was left spent after watching his men produce a last-ditch comeback to beat Slovakia in extra time to book a quarter final showdown with Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday.
Jude Bellingham’s wonder goal and Harry Kane’s winner secured one of the most dramatic wins in English football history. And Southgate believes the spirit his squad has found will provide the belief that England can go on to do something special at Euro 2024.
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Southgate said: “The character they’ve shown, they’re going to take so much from what they’ve come through. What can’t be questioned is the togetherness of the group, the way they’re fighting for each other.
“And in knock-out football, that can be as important as everything else. There’s no question it will give the whole group belief.
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“It’s the togetherness and the spirit that you need. So that is giving us a chance.”
This weekend’s clash with Switzerland will see Southgate become just the third manager in history, after Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsey, to take charge of 100 games as England boss. But Southgate admits all he cares about is taking down the Swiss, to reach the semi finals of Euro 2024.
Southgate added: “I think it will in time (give him pride). But all I’m thinking about is preparing for that game – and giving ourselves the best chance of winning it, really.”
Southgate has some defensive problems to solve, with Marc Guehi now suspended and John Stones suffering a thigh problem. Ezri Konsa is the favourite to replace Guehi, while Stones will undergo intensive treatment and is confident of declaring himself fit.