World Cup 2018: Gareth Southgate tells England players to ‘smile’ and ‘enjoy their football’ in opener against Tunisia
GARETH SOUTHGATE leads England to the World Cup today after delivering a rousing rally cry.
The Three Lions will have a whole nation behind them for Monday’s big Group G kick-off against Tunisia in Russia.
And Southgate, 47, roared: “If we play with a smile on our face, we enjoy our football and enjoy being in a tournament, then we will get results.
“We hope we can send people to work the next day having enjoyed those matches.
“I know what tournament experiences can be like and we desperately want to bring that. We ask people to pay a lot of money to watch football and we want to entertain where we possibly can.
“We know we are a long way from the finished article but people see signs of progress. They enjoy watching us and the manner in which we try to play.”
Southgate’s squad played a final practice match behind closed doors at St George’s Park yesterday involving all 23 players plus stand-by midfielder Jake Livermore.
They fly out from Birmingham airport this afternoon travelling to their Repino training base, near St Petersburg.
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And Southgate feels there is now a connection between players and fans after he has placed his trust in youth.
He added: “There was a disconnect between supporters and the team and there’s different ways to bridge that.
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“The most important is the way you play, your performances and your results.
“There was a shift in the identity of the team in November, when we brought in some of the younger players.
“We went to a back three and people have been warmed by that — not only the young players in this squad, but the young players in the system, the success with the junior teams.”
Southgate won 57 Three Lions caps as a player and he added: “I’m a very proud Englishman.
“To play for my country was my only goal as a kid. So now to be managing my country at a World Cup is extra special.
“I recognise the responsibility that brings but I’m enjoying that challenge.”