GARETH SOUTHGATE REACTS TO ENGLANDS VICTORY OVER  USA

BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT WEMBLEY

The England Manager Gareth Southgate was pleased to an extent with England’s 3-0 victory over the USA in what was also Wayne Rooney’s farewell England game. He said:

“I thought some of our attacking play in the first half hour and last half hour were really exciting. It was great for Callum (Wilson) to get his first goal. I did not like us without the ball. A number of times the USA got through us too easily. We were wide open. If we do that on Sunday against Croatia we will lose. If we are going to be a top team we cannot just get to 3-0. We have to be ruthless and play right through the game.”

Jesse Lingard opened the scoring with a brilliant curler, which Brad Guzan had no chance of saving while the second was scored by Trent Alexander- Arnold.

Southgate was full of praise for England’s record goal scorer Rooney. “ Wayne’s message was that he appreciated the way he was made to feel welcome. It is difficult to walk back into the dressing room with players you have not played with. He told the new players what playing for England meant. His humility in the training tracking back was as if his life depended on it.’

We wanted to look at predominantly young players. We wanted to see what they could do and pay respect to one of our greatest ever players.  Some of the one touch and too touch football around the box was really exciting. I think Jesse and Dele were good. We also had Jadon Sancho out there. We want them to try things and feel free enough in an England shirt to try things.  We have got two days to prepare. We will look at their game from tonight to see how they did.

Looking forward to England’s crucial game against Croatia in the Nation’s league Southgate said:

“Our game on Sunday, which is the last of the year has a lot riding on it.”

Croatia’s desire and mentality is brilliant. They would relish coming to Wembley to play and we have to relish that challenge as well. We were very keen that we moved on from the World Cup as soon as possible. It has been a brilliant year no matter what happens on Sunday. The depth of the squad has created a real competition for places.”