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Stewart Downing believes the strong team spirit Gareth Southgate has established in the England squad can help the Three Lions win this year’s World Cup.
Southgate’s men are among the favourites to go all the way in Qatar this winter after following up their semi-final appearance in Russia four years ago by reaching the Euro 2020 final last summer.
While that showpiece ultimately ended in heartbreak as they lost on penalties to Italy, Downing believes the Three Lions are on the right track under their current boss.
The former England and Middlesbrough winger said: “They were very unlucky the last time.
“It was down to penalties which is just luck, really. You can’t really manage players for that, that’s just what happens on the occasion.
“I think there might have been better squads in terms of talent but you can’t get away from the fact that these lads are a really good team.
“That’s what wins you tournaments. It’s not the individuals, it’s the team that win you it.”
Three Lions pride
England’s evolution under Southgate has been clear and much has been made of the positive atmosphere created by the 51-year-old coach.
And Downing, who worked under Southgate while he was in charge of Middlesbrough, believes the work that has gone in to improve the culture at St George’s Park is why they are now reaping the rewards on the pitch.
The 37-year-old said: “They’ve got good team spirit, good camaraderie, I think you can see that from the outside.
“That’s what Gareth’s about, he likes them to have fun and for a long time England didn’t really have that.
“That’s what he’s done, he’s brought everyone together and you can see people look like they’re excited to go to England and play.”
Southgate’s strengths
Southgate had an unorthodox route to landing England’s top job.
His reputation took a hit when his first management role at Boro ended shortly after their relegation from the Premier League in 2009, before he spent time as the national team’s Under-21s boss.
The former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace defender was only handed the role as manager of the senior side following Sam Allardyce’s dismissal in 2016, but he has proved a shrewd appointment by the FA in the years since.
One man not surprised by Southgate’s success is Downing, who could see the leadership and man-management qualities all those years ago on Teesside.
On Southgate’s managerial approach, the former Boro academy graduate added: “He was brilliant for me.
“At the time at Middlesbrough, I think it was more difficult for him after taking over from player to manager. It was a quick turnaround. But for me, he was great.
“He gave me a lot of confidence. He had a lot of traits that he still shows now in terms of his leadership.
“He’s not a shouter but he’s really good at how he leads and how he talks, how he speaks to people and getting the best out of people.
“He’s dealing with a lot of big players who expect to play. How you keep them happy is a skill in itself, I think.
“That’s his biggest quality — he’s honest. That’s what players want. He gives players respect.
“Players want to play for him. He has that aura about him where you want to do well for him. Overall, he’s just really good to play for.”
Qatar countdown
England’s preparations for Qatar are well underway with just four games to play before their tournament opener against Iran on November 21.
The Three Lions were able to secure a late draw in Germany on Tuesday night, recovering some respectability following a humbling 1-0 loss against Hungary.
England welcome European champions Italy to Molineux on Saturday as Southgate further fine-tunes his World Cup plans.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2022 takes place on Sunday at the London Stadium. Donations can be made at www.socceraid.org.uk/donate, with each one doubled — up to £4million — thanks to The Power of Nutrition.
