GARETH SOUTHGATE formulated his demands to the English stars in the Countdown to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, telling them: Seize the moment.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and co took part in a special edition of Channel 4’s hit TV game show, alongside maths prodigy Rachel Riley, at St George’s Park on Tuesday.
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And Southgate knows his first puzzle is how England qualify for the final, starting by taking on champions Italy in a tough Group C clash in Naples.
As the clock ticks down, the Three Lions boss told his players not to assume they will be a permanent fixture in the team as heartbreak could be just around the corner.
England are still chasing their first trophy since 1966 World Cup glory.
South gatewhose contract expires after this tournament also hinted that he could stay if his team wins.
He stated: “As a player you have to be careful not to assume that this might not be your last chance.
“You will always think that you will get other opportunities. But injury, form, new players coming in. . . you can never take it for granted.
“The elderly know that the timetable is quite clear. But everyone else should also be attentive.
“The team is always evolving. We have tried to constantly give people their chance.
“That happened with Jude Bellingham and we have one or two others just on the edge.”
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham starts against the Azzurri and Southgate will field a team similar to the one that lost 2-1 to France in the quarter finals of the Qatar World Cup last year.
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Asked if he will leave England permanently next year, Southgate said: “Well, that depends on whether we win!”
Asked if he would sign a new deal if England beat Germany, he added: “Let’s hope we get the chance to make that decision.”
Southgate hopes to win his 50th win as England manager
and Three Lions skipper Harry Kane aims to become England’s all-time record goalscorer as he is tied Wayne Rooney on 53 goals.
Asked about Kanewho missed a penalty against France, Southgate said: “We have seen with his performances for his club that he has left the World Cup behind him.
“But he will have extra motivation to show what he stands for in an England shirt, which is a great position for us.”
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice stressed that England would like to win in Italy for the first time since 1961.
Rice said, “There is now more anticipation than ever.
“When you look at this team, it’s full of top quality players.
“The record in Italy has not been good and since the European Championship this is the fourth time we have played against them and we have not won yet.
“It will be a very big statement if we can go there and win.”
England has a great chance if Bukayo Saka, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Eric Dier and James Maddison shine as much as they did on Countdown.
Channel 4 will show the program ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.