England’s World Cup chances are great – thanks to brilliant team morale Gareth Southgate has instilled in the camp
Gareth Southgate has instilled great unity between the players as Three Lions prepare to jet off to Russia
THERE IS a feel-good factor about this England team which I believe will carry us into the World Cup with high hopes.
I still believe this is a team capable of getting to the quarter-finals — but I’m hopeful, more than expectant, of even better.
Knockout football throws up so many unexpected scenarios, not least in recent tournaments.
Not many would have backed Greece, or more recently Portugal, to win the Euros, proof the unlikely can happen.
But if we are to see the Three Lions roaring next month, the camp needs to maintain the spirit that has been evident in recent weeks.
Top players thrive under pressure. So rather than letting the England shirt weigh heavily on their shoulders, we need the players to make it lift them to another level instead.
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It does feel different playing for England. I played in Euro 92, 96 and 2000 and the France 98 World Cup and before each game it was a sense of pride and belief that I felt rather than angst and doubt.
That is the mentality this squad needs to have. And by the evidence of Thursday night’s victory over Costa Rica in Leeds, the mood in the team does seem very positive.
NO FEAR Harry Redknapp backs England to win World Cup but only if they play without fear
It wasn’t a great performance from Costa Rica. But this is the same country which topped our group in the last World Cup, while we were heading home.
No side nowadays can be underestimated, as our experience against Iceland two years ago taught us.
Road to Russia
QUALIFYING RESULTS
04/09/16 Slovakia A 1-0
08/10/16 Malta H 2-0
11/10/16 Slovenia A 0-0
11/11/16 Scotland H 3-0
26/03/17 Lithuania H 2-0
10/06/17 Scotland A 2-2
01/09/17 Malta A 4-0
04/09/17 Slovakia H 2-1
05/10/17 Slovenia H 1-0
08/10/17 Lithuania A 1-0
TOP SCORERS
5 Harry Kane
2 Adam Lallana
2 Daniel Sturridge
MOST APPEARANCES
9 Joe Hart
9 Kyle Walker
8 Gary Cahill
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It is something I am sure boss Gareth Southgate will be drumming home to his players. But, likewise, we need to show that England cannot be underestimated either.
How do we do that? By playing with the same freedom that we saw on Thursday.
There was a real sense that the players were enjoying their football. Marcus Rashford was the shining example of that.
He looked confident, positive and full of energy and that has given Gareth a nice selection headache, deciding whether to start him or Raheem Sterling.
The best thing we can do is enjoy it, have a go and give everything. If we do that there can be no complaints.
There is no doubt from watching the two warm-up games that Gareth has them well prepared.
We look comfortable in the chosen system and it looked like we knew who was doing what at set-pieces.
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For too long, playing for England has seemed like a chore. Right now it appears to be something that a fit, vibrant, young squad are embracing and enjoying.
We certainly believed we could go and win it in France in 1998. And but for a golden goal ruled out and another penalty shootout not going our way, who knows?
Perhaps fate has something different in store this time. I hope so.