Southgate demands England beat Belgium but jokes he’ll headbutt Martinez if he has a change of heart
Three Lions are ahead of rivals by virtue of their superior disciplinary record... but would have a much easier route to the final if they came second in Group G
GARETH SOUTHGATE is demanding England beat Belgium on Thursday night — even though it will mean a tougher route to the final.
But he then joked he may have to “headbutt” rival boss Roberto Martinez if he changes his mind!
England currently top Group G on fair play, with one less yellow card than Belgium.
And Southgate said: “If I go and headbutt Roberto in the last five minutes then you’ll know we’re taking a different approach to getting through!”
His side face either Japan, Senegal or Colombia in the first knockout stage.
But going through as group winners would lead to a quarter-final with Brazil or Mexico and a semi with France, Argentina, Portugal or Uruguay.
However, finishing second would set up a potentially easier quarter-final with Switzerland or Sweden and a semi against Spain, Russia, Croatia or Denmark.
Southgate, though, is ignoring the permutations.
He said: “We need to keep winning. We want to breed a mentality that everyone in our squad wants to constantly win.
“We’ve not won a knockout game since 2006. So starting to plot which would be a better venue for our semi-final is beyond me, really.
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“Best to focus on this game. We’re building a team everyone back home can see are passionate to play for England.
“I’m looking forward to seeing us play again.”
And after Germany’s shock exit, Southgate warned his players not to become complacent.
He added: “With Italy, Holland and Chile out before the tournament and now Germany, there really is no opportunity to rest on where you are.
“It just shows anyone is vulnerable on any given day. That’s what attracts everyone to World Cups and Euros. The thrill to be a part of it is fantastic.”
