England: Gareth Southgate bullish about progression after favourable World Cup draw

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Gareth Southgate immediately targeted the knockout stages of the World Cup after Friday’s draw.

The England manager is adamant the Three Lions can win a first major tournament since 1966 - and has declared them one of the favourites to triumph in Qatar later this year.

England, who reached the semi finals of the last World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, have been drawn alongside USA and Iran in Group B.

They will also face Wales, Scotland or Ukraine dependent on who progresses through the playoffs.

Southgate said: “We’ve got to get out the group. What we’ve done well is approaching the group, getting out, regardless of the opposition, and go from there.

“All of our thoughts are with Ukraine, when that tie is played, it’s irrelevant it’s for the rest of us to adapt and adjust.

“When you’re seeded, you get the advantage of missing out on the big six or seven teams. For most of the seeds they would be pleased with the group they get. There are some really highly-ranked teams in Pot 2, the USA are an interesting one.

“I’ve got to know (USA coach) Gregg Berhalter quite well - we were smiling at the end, they’ve got some good players and we know what they’re capable of as a nation.”

Southgate added: “The first two in our group (USA and Iran) are teams we’ve not played for quite a while, the third (Wales, Scotland or Ukraine) is a total unknown, a potential British derby, we’ve had plenty of them

“We’re in on day one, it’s clear what our programme looks like after the Premier League.”

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