Gareth Southgate sees ‘high potential’ in England squad
Monday 14 November 2016 23:17, UK
Gareth Southgate says there is still "high potential" throughout the England squad despite the disappointing benchmark set in recent tournaments.
The interim England boss will take charge of his final match in a four-game stint agreed after the departure of Sam Allardyce when Spain visit Wembley on Tuesday, but he remains the frontrunner to take the job on a permanent basis.
Southgate accepts the group stage exit at the World Cup in 2014 and humiliating defeat to Iceland at the Euros this year show the nation is in no position to get ahead of itself but believes the players have the attitude and aptitude to achieve success.
"I'm not sure if I've learned about myself because I was very aware of what I am, what I'm capable of, what I do," he said of his temporary stint. "I've obviously learned about the role, I've learned about the players and everything that surrounds the international set-up.
"I think part of coach development is knowing yourself anyway and then everyone else is a lot more comfortable. I think the insight has been into everything else that surrounds being in the position. Also it's fascinating to see what is possible and achievable with this group of players.
"Definitely there is high potential. I still think there is a long way to go. The last two tournaments are a benchmark of where we're at so we can't keep talking about 'we're good, we're this, we're that'.
"We have to prove it and that means a lot of work ahead for whoever is in the position to take the team forward, but there is a real desire from the players to do that. I think they're going to get big match experience with all their clubs that is going to aid that development."
Title challenges and European football at club level is being complemented by tough international friendlies, with trips to Germany and France lined up before the season is out.
First comes a home clash with 2010 World Cup winners, and two-time European champions, Spain - a country that until relatively recently had struggled to translate individual class into a successful team.
"I think it is good to look at what successful teams do and what you might implement in your own competitive play," Southgate said.
"But I think what is more important at the moment for us is we have got several top teams playing in a certain way, a high-pressing, possession-based game.
"We can't be the same as Spain because their players have been brought up in a different way. But maybe we have more power, more pace, more strength and so we have to develop our style of play around what our better players are doing and what suits them."
Southgate manages everything like he is "going to be there forever" and believes the players approach things in a similar manner.
"I think as a team they want to build towards being successful in the World Cup and the European Championship," he said. "If you're only looking at being successful in the next game and winning that, then I don't think you set the bar high enough.
"There has got to be constant improvement in the way that we play and the way that they work. They're intelligent players, they know that. It's important that you're always challenging players about what the ultimate aim is. Is it just about qualifying?
"Okay, fine, but if we don't start looking at improving now, then by the time we qualify we will only be two international camps away from the tournament."
