​England boss Southgate: Anything less than semi-final is failure

Football
2 Jun 2021 • 1:29 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

England boss Gareth Southgate knows that he must achieve a top four place at minimum during the European Championships.

The Three Lions are among the favorites to win the competition, given recent tournament performances and the level of talent within their squad.

Southgate has named his 26-man party for the tournament, and knows there is a lot of expectation among fans in the UK.

Asked if less than a semi final berth would be a failure during a press conference, Southgate replied: "Yeah, it probably will.

"I think we're realistic about that, we have to live with that expectation. We know the excitement around the team and it's great, we're now relevant.

"Expectations were lower (in Russia). We've got some exciting players and I don't think these players are at their peak by any means. I think when I look at some of the players working with us it's so exciting for England in the future.

"I've got to try to manage the expectations for the players. I accept the situation as a manager, there's expectation, I have to deliver.

"We have to deliver as a group of staff, it's not about me in terms of if we can be successful. But, of course, it's about me if we fail. No problem, that's the gig.

"But for the players, I've still got to bear in mind they are a young group, they have still got a lot of progression to make, some are now learning how to win things, being involved in big matches. It's brilliant for their progress and opportunities for England, that's what we want.

"Are we ready to win? Well, we've been to two semi-finals so the next step is to try to go further."