Euro qualifiers - past doesn't matter Southgate: We have to start over

2023-03-23 08:09

Euro qualifiers - past doesn't matter Southgate: We have to start over


Group C of the 2024 European Cup qualifiers will stage the first round of competition tomorrow. The "Three Lions" England will go to the away game to challenge the "Azzurri" Italy. In addition, England have not beaten Italy since May 1961, and England coach Southgate said in the pre-match press conference that everything in the past has become irrelevant because the team must restart. start.


It is worth noting that England have not defeated the Azzurri in Italy since their 3-2 victory in a friendly match 62 years ago, and since the beginning of 2022, the Three Lions have only won 5 games in 13 games.


England boss Gareth Southgate says playing against Italy in Euro 2020 qualifiers is a must-start game. "England's recent history is irrelevant, it's the type of game we have to start winning."


"That's the challenge we need to start taking on, the type of games that the team has to start winning. We've been through a lot, but we've got to start trying to do it consistently now. We haven't had a game since 1961. We've won games there, so that's the history we're trying to break, and it's a big challenge for the players because the opponents have broken through a lot of hurdles in the past."


Southgate also pointed out that although he knows that Italy will not participate in the 2022 World Cup, he still believes that Italy has excellent players and has high motivation. He said, "We don't need to have more evidence of belief. English players have played in some of the most important games in world football in the past and know the level required in the game and know that they are capable of playing at that level. Compete at the same level.”


"The truth is, whatever the team has done in the past, tomorrow's game will be irrelevant because the team has to start over. We also need to work humbly and qualify again, which is good for us .”


Southgate also spoke about the fact that qualifiers should not be taken for granted, especially with defending champions Italy failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. "I remember our first game after the Euros was away against Hungary. We did a really good job and thought it was one of our best performances, and the mentality we had at the beginning It's very good."


"The team is lucky to have Kane"


"And I don't think that mentality is going to cause problems, but he reminds the team that the early qualifiers are very important. I also remember our final match against Poland at Wembley without fans. A goal in a moment and people take the win for granted, but it was a very important moment in qualifying and we had goals like that in previous games."


Also, when asked if he would offer captain Kane some chances in this game, especially as the star needs just one more goal to become England's top scorer and put memories of World Cup disappointments behind him . Southgate said, "I think mentally, we've seen that, and through his performance and goals, Kane has put it all behind him, but I also know he will show everyone. Even more motivated to put on the England shirt again."


"It's always going to be very difficult to compare English forwards of different ages, but the scoring record alone puts Kane at the top of the group. His contribution to the team is far more than that, his passing The quality of vision, touch, he's a fantastic player and our team is lucky to have him."