Gareth Southgate has warned England not to underestimate the importance of wins at major tournaments, especially as they prepare to face Denmark at Euro 2024. Despite criticism over their 1-0 victory against Serbia in the opening match, Southgate emphasizes the difficulty of winning in such high-pressure environments.
Acknowledging the intense scrutiny that comes with managing the England national team, Southgate admits that dealing with external pressures can sometimes be more challenging than facing the opponents on the field. He highlights the need for his players to enjoy their successes more and acknowledges that qualifying from the group stage will be a tough task.
Reflecting on England’s performance against Serbia, Southgate praises the team’s strong start and solid defense throughout the match. However, he acknowledges the need for improvement, especially in terms of maintaining possession and creating more scoring opportunities. Despite the challenges, Southgate remains optimistic about the team’s potential for growth and development as the tournament progresses.
Unfortunately, England will be without defender Luke Shaw for the upcoming match against Denmark, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Southgate provides an update on Shaw’s progress and emphasizes the importance of following a tailored recovery plan to ensure his full fitness in the future.
Overall, Southgate’s focus is on guiding his team through the tournament with a balanced approach of enjoying the victories, learning from the challenges, and staying committed to the ultimate goal of success. As England navigates through the competition, Southgate’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining the team’s morale and motivation to perform at their best.