Wednesday 22 March 2017 20:07, UK
Gareth Southgate believes Germany are the ideal inspiration for the England squad ahead of their friendly in Dortmund on Wednesday.
England face the world champions at Signal Iduna Park in Southgate's first match since being confirmed as Sam Allardyce's successor.
Southgate outlined his long-term plans for the England team in a presentation at St George's Park on Monday, which was well received by the players.
And speaking ahead of the meeting with Joachim Low's side, Southgate called on his squad to adopt the same winning mentality that has driven Germany to success.
"It's the first opportunity I have had to work with the team, with the knowledge that there's a longer term plan," Southgate said.
"So, I think it was important for the players to have an understanding of what drives me, the type of standards that I think we have to set, what's possible but also the reality of where we are.
"That's not just this group of players, but as a country over the last few years.
"We have to change how we do things - we have to change the way we think, we have to change the way we work - because we have not had the same success that our opponents have had over such a consistent period of time.
"So, in that respect, they [Germany] are a great model for us to look at. We are not looking to copy anybody, but you have to respect the way they have continually reached semi-finals, finals and won things.
"That's the mentality we have to have."
Southgate also confirmed defender Gary Cahill, who will miss Sunday's World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania because of suspension, would skipper England against Germany in the absence of regular captain Wayne Rooney.
England are yet to taste defeat under Southgate and will be aiming to record successive wins over Germany for the first time since the 1930s having defeated their opponents 3-2 in a friendly last March.
"I'm not sure we've always looked at ourselves in the mirror as closely as we should, that's what we need as a football nation," Southgate added.
"We've had success in every other sport in our country and we're almost the missing piece. It's probably the hardest one to succeed in and if we do succeed it's the one that will have the most impact on our country and on the people.
"When I played against German teams I was always impressed, everybody talked about their mentality but they still had great technical ability and power.
"We are different, we have to get off the island and learn from elsewhere. You've only got to look at the number of semi-finals, finals and wins to see the success of their system and the way they work.
"Those three dynamics are something we can realistically aim for. In terms of the athletes we're producing and the mentality we have as a country.
"There's a lot we can take from them, but we're a little bit different and we've got to maintain some English traits that give us additional qualities."
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
