Gareth Southgate believes “no person will care concerning the group stage” if England get pleasure from a very good run within the Euro 2024 knockout levels, beginning with Slovakia on Sunday.
Regardless of topping Group C, England got here beneath fireplace for his or her below-par performances within the group stage after edging previous Serbia within the opener earlier than taking part in out attracts with Denmark and Slovenia.
First place within the group means the Three Lions averted the aspect of the draw together with loads of the favourites, however even that has not raised morale among the many followers.
Whereas Southgate accepted the criticism the group acquired, he was adamant that the actual jeopardy of the event begins within the spherical of 16.
“Actuality is that no person will care concerning the group stage for those who get it proper? That’s the actuality, and naturally, we’ve got to ship it,” Southgate stated in his press convention.
“The actual fact is you go into a special psychological state. Everyone is aware of that knockout soccer is jeopardy. Everyone is aware of that, on a given day, an opponent could make it actually powerful for you. You understand the standard of the opposition left is excessive and so it adjustments the mindset.
“It’s about ‘how far can we go?’ We are attempting to realize one thing distinctive. However it’s a step at a time and tomorrow is an opportunity to enhance elements of our recreation, to indicate composure in moments.
Preparing for Gelsenkirchen pic.twitter.com/2UpafkhuUc
— England (@England) June 29, 2024
“The sport will take us in numerous instructions at completely different moments, and also you’ve bought to have the ability to reply and react in the fitting method in all of these moments.”
If England do beat Slovakia, they’ll arrange a quarter-final assembly with Switzerland, who knocked out holders Italy with a 2-0 victory earlier on Saturday.
Southgate stated he was not considering that far forward, however that his aspect don’t worry of what awaits them within the knockout rounds.
“It could possibly be one other good night time to create extra reminiscences for our supporters,” he added.
“I’ve performed in a semi-final of a serious event, and managed in a semi-final and a ultimate. Tomorrow, it’s concerning the group progressing.
“We shouldn’t have a worry of dropping, it’s about alternative. We are attempting to achieve for one thing which is a problem.
“We’ve got misplaced matches earlier than, life goes on. At that time, when you’ll be able to deal with the worst, you might be free to try to go and win the sport.”
