Gareth Southgate highlights England 'togetherness' as Three Lions reach World Cup semi-finals

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Standard Sport7 July 2018

England manager Gareth Southgate praised the resilience of his players after beating Sweden 2-0 in Samara to book a place in the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years.

Harry Maguire and Dele Alli scored in each half to see off stoic Sweden, with either hosts Russia or Croatia next for the Three Lions.

Southgate paid tribute to the way the squad responded after coming through the drama of a penalty shootout win over Colombia to reach the quarter-finals.

"We knew it was going to be such a different game from the other night, to come back having had extra-time and penalties, with the emotions of it to lift ourselves through a completely different test," he said on BBC One.

"It was always a scrappy game where we had to withstand a lot of physical pressure, but the resilience of the team and togetherness of the team was crucial."

Southgate paid tribute to a collective effort, on and off the pitch, adding: "I cant speak highly enough of the whole squad and whole group of staff because it is so united in there.

"The level of work has been great and their commitment to each other, you don't get through with just 11 players. They are all top people and are the reason we are in the semi-final just as much as any other."

EPA

Southgate admitted playing against Russia in Moscow would be "an incredible game" to be involved in, but will take things one step at a time.

"We will enjoy tonight, I hope everybody at home enjoys tonight because as we know, it is not very often that it has happened," he said.

"All I know is the managers who have got to semi-finals (with England) are ones I hugely respect and to be involved at this stage with England now is an incredible feeling."

Reporting by Press Association.

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