Southgate delighted with start

Southgate: Thrilled

Related links

Teams

• Middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate paid tribute to his players following Middlesbrough's 2-1 victory over Tottenham.

Southgate has been in confident mood in pre-season and he admits it was especially pleasing to see his side play well after a big build-up.

Tottenham were expected to provide a stern challenge after strengthening their squad over the summer but Boro were worthy winners.

"We've created some belief in the town over the summer and it is great to give a performance that fulfilled that belief," Southgate told Sky Sports.

"It was a tough start, with the value of their squad, and it is great to have won because, in my time here, I don't remember doing that on the opening day of the season."

Wheater and Mido

David Wheater played at right-back following the departure of Luke Young, with Justin Hoyte only sealing his move to Boro just before kick-off.

Wheater had a goal disallowed in the first half and then scored the opener, while he also impressed in defence.

Southgate said: "I thought he was very accomplished there. Good players can play in every position,

"There were question marks about our decision to let Luke go and we understand that, but there were lots of big performances from our players today."

Southgate also had words of praise for Mido, the former Tottenham striker who came off the substitutes' bench to score Boro's second goal.

"I am pleased for him because it is important that your substitutes can come on and make an impact and both of ours did - Mido and Didier (Digard).

"There were huge performances across the board and I am pleased because they worked incredibly hard for six weeks."