England are now established as real contenders as they prepare to face World Cup holders France, manager Gareth Southgate has said.
England’s solitary men’s major honor returned at the 1966 World Cup.
But the opinion of the Three Lions has changed since they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, says Southgate.
“I think there’s always been some respect for England, but I think we have credibility now,” he told the BBC.
“To get to a semi-final and then a final, I think the rest of the world think England are competitive and they know we’ve performed much better under pressure in recent years.
“When I travel around Europe and the world and meet people from football, there’s definitely a greater appreciation for what we’ve done.”
Under Sven-Goran Eriksson, England reached the quarter-finals in three consecutive tournaments between 2002 and 2006.
Southgate took charge in 2016 and the Three Lions now have the chance to reach a third successive semi-final for the first time when they face France on Saturday.
“Four years ago we could have spoken well, but we had no concrete evidence that we were winning great games and going through great nights together as a group,” he added.
“I think in that period we’ve had so many of those chances that now there’s less satisfaction of reaching the quarter-finals, there’s more desire to go further and there’s more evidence that we got through those nights well. I think for any team that’s an important part of growing.”
Southgate unsure if Sterling will feature
Raheem Sterling missed England’s Round of 16 win over Senegal following a burglary at his family home in Surrey.
The 28-year-old Chelsea striker returned from Qatar on Sunday but has now joined the team in Al Wakrah and took part in training on Friday and should therefore be available for selection on Saturday.
“I haven’t had a chance to sit down with him yet,” Southgate said.
“We’ve spoken on the phone and I think he’s in a better place as long as he feels he can come back and has had the time he needs to help his family. If he’s done enough to being involved in the game is another matter.
“He’s had two long flights and missed a lot of training with the team – we’re getting into the level of play where you have to be flat out.
“It’s great that we have the possibility to bring him back with us, that he is back with the group, but in terms of involvement for this game, it’s a little more complicated.”
Southgate not just focusing on Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe was named the best young player after scoring four goals when France won the last World Cup, and he is Qatar’s top scorer with five.
England right-back Kyle Walker’s pace has been seen as a way to counter the threat posed by the Paris St-Germain striker, but Southgate says England won’t focus on controlling the 23-year-old .
“It’s the same way we prepare for every team,” he said. “You look at all the patterns of play, the individuals within the team. Are there any details that need to be highlighted?
“Even though we can highlight Mbappe, we have to give due attention to Olivier Giroud and how he gets his goals, and Antoine Griezmann has played more than 70 consecutive games for France. There’s a clue in that. how important he is to them, I think he’s a phenomenal player.
“So if we don’t go into the details and the specifics of those particular players in a game at this level, you’re not really doing your due diligence.”
France coach Didier Deschamps said Southgate’s side “have no weaknesses” and highlighted pace as one of their strengths.
“England are very strong in transitions – more than half of their goals have come from quick breaks,” he said.
“But they also have other qualities – they have technical ability, goal-scoring ability and set-piece ability.”
Pickford is the last to reach the milestone of 50 caps
Jordan Pickford is set to earn his 50th cap for England on Saturday, after Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford also reached the milestone in Qatar.
Despite some dips in form, Pickford was a goal-scoring stalwart under Southgate, who handed the 28-year-old Everton keeper his England debut in 2017.
“What’s remarkable is that he handled being England number one really well,” Southgate said.
“It’s not an easy role to play, there’s a lot of attention on it, a lot of spotlight. There were credible alternatives at times that put that position under pressure, but he maintained a very high level of performance for us throughout this period.
“It’s a fantastic individual achievement,” he added. “There are still only a small number of players who reach 50 caps and to do that you need to have a decent amount of time as an England international.
“For them it’s important and that experience for us, you have different experiences that nights and tournaments in England bring.”
