Gareth Southgate says his England players are in control of their own destiny when they take on Colombia in the World Cup last 16.
After reaching the knockout stages with a game to spare, the Three Lions enter Tuesday’s clash knowing victory over Colombia would set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland or Sweden.
Southgate is confident last week’s 1-0 defeat to Belgium has not thrown the team off track and believes his men are relishing the task in hand.
“I think life is always about opportunity presenting itself and taking control of it, taking charge of it,” Southgate told reporters.
“We said we didn’t want this tournament to take hold of us and push us around. We wanted to attack it and make sure we were in charge of our destiny.
“Of course, once you get to these games there are really fine margins, so there are games that you know as a team if you want to progress to have success, you have to win these matches.
“All our preparations around that we feel we are in a good place. Now we have to stop talking and go and deliver.”
The boss says the squad have “trained like Trojans”, as they target a first win at the knockout stages since 2006.
“Everyone wants to be behind the national team and I don’t think that will ever change,” said Southgate.
“We have all been hurt by disappointment, but maybe some of our expectations at times have been a little unrealistic.
“I think we have had more realism about what we have done this time and we should all enjoy the journey.”
Also See:
Sourse: skysports.com
