England ready to step up a gear in Euro 2024 knockout stages, says Southgate

Published on: 06/29/2024 – 8:49 p.m.Amended: 06/29/2024 – 9:06 p.m.

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The Three Lions will face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday with expectations even higher as they find themselves on what is perceived to be the easier side of the draw.

England finished top of Group C despite disappointing performances from one of the pre-tournament favorites, beating Serbia 1-0 and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia.

But Southgate’s side left behind disappointing group stage performances by reaching the Euro 2020 final and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

“Now you’re in this world where it has to happen on the day, you have to go. We’ve been here many times before, we know what it entails,” Southgate said in his pre-match. press conference.

“The fact is you enter a different mental state. Everyone knows knockout football is dangerous.

“Everyone knows that, on any given day, an opponent can make your job very difficult. You know that the quality of the opposition on the left is high, so that changes the mindset.

“It’s about how far we can go. We’re trying to achieve something exceptional, but it’s one step at a time and tomorrow is an opportunity to improve some aspects of our game.”

Southgate’s future looks uncertain regardless of the result in Germany.

Despite reaching a final, a semi-final and a quarter-final in the three major tournaments he has been in charge of, the former Middlesbrough boss still has many detractors at home.

He was pelted by beer cups thrown from the stands as some fans expressed their frustration after Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

Southgate, whose contract expires at the end of the year, will coach England for the 99th time against Slovakia.

But he played down the importance of his future and the possibility of reaching 100 appearances in charge if England reach the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

“I’m just looking forward to doing well for my country. Leading this group of players and this staff, who I love working with and who I have great respect for,” Southgate added.

“Guide them through what could be another brilliant evening and create even more memories for our supporters.” »

Kane ‘enjoys’ the big stage

Harry Kane scored one of England’s two goals so far against Denmark, but it was the only time in his last three international tournaments that he has scored in the group stage.

In contrast, the England captain has scored six goals in his last six knockout matches and is confident of his ability to progress in the tournament again.

“Naturally you get physically stronger, naturally you get sharper as you play more matches,” Kane said.

“A lot of players reach their peak in the knockout stage and that’s what I’ve seen, especially in recent tournaments.

“At the end of the day, I enjoy these matches. Knockout matches are a different prospect from the group stage. We have done well in the past and it is time to do the same again. »

England are in good health, but Luke Shaw is not fit to start having not played a minute for club or country since February.

Kobbie Mainoo is expected to replace Conor Gallagher in midfield, while wingers Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer are in contention to start if Southgate overhauls his failing frontline.

© 2024 AFP