England confirm squad for West Indies series ahead of Anderson’s final Test

Gareth Southgate believes “nobody will care about the group stage” if England make a good run in the knockout phase of Euro 2024, which begins on Sunday with Slovakia.

Despite finishing top of Group C, England came under criticism for their below-par performance in the group stages, narrowly edging out Serbia in their opening match and then drawing with Denmark and Slovenia.

By finishing first in the group, the Three Lions were able to avoid the draw with many of the favourites, but even that did not boost the morale of the fans.

While Southgate accepted the criticism the team has faced, he insisted that the real danger of the tournament begins in the round of 16.

“The reality is that nobody cares about the group stage, if you do it right? That’s the reality and of course we have to deliver,” Southgate said in his press conference.

“The fact is that you get into a different mental state. Everyone knows that knockout football is dangerous. Everyone knows that an opponent can make it really difficult for you on a given day. You know that the quality of the opponents that remain is high and that changes your mindset.

“It’s about how far we can go. We’re trying to achieve something extraordinary. But we’re taking it step by step and tomorrow we have the chance to improve aspects of our game and show composure in the moments.”

“The game will take us in different directions at different moments and you have to be able to respond and react correctly in all those moments.”

If England defeat Slovakia, they will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, who knocked out defending champions Italy with a 2-0 win on Saturday.

Southgate said he was not thinking that far ahead but his team were not afraid of what awaited them in the knockout stages.

“It could be another great night that will give our fans even more memories,” he added.

“I played in a semifinal of a major tournament and made it to a semifinal and a final. Tomorrow it’s about getting the team through.”

“We shouldn’t be afraid of defeat, it’s about the opportunity. We try to reach for something that is a challenge.”

“We’ve lost games before, life goes on. Once you’ve gotten over the worst, you’re free and can try to win the game.”