GARETH SOUTHGATE has told his English stars to ‘hold the pressure’ as they head for next month’s World Cup.
The Three Lions fly to Qatar after a record-breaking run of SIX competitive games without a win — and Nations League RELEGATION.
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And England boss Southgate said: “Of course the pressure is coming for us.
“You go to a World Cup. You wouldn’t choose to go into a World Cup with the string of results we’ve had. But actually we are stronger for that. The players have to take ownership.”
England finished at the bottom of their Nations League group as Luke Shaw’s strike in the 3-3 Wembley draw with Germany was a first open play goal in 521 MINUTES.
England’s Group B World Cup opener is against Iran on November 21.
South gate added: “When it goes well, it’s fun. But it doesn’t grow the hardiness you need.
“We can play friendly matches where we don’t learn much about people.
“We have been tested against high-level opposition. Players had to get through more control, a bit of pressure.
“Whether we want to postpone it, make it comfortable, eventually that pressure will come.
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“We have to deal with it. We might as well have it in the lead-in because it means the players have to stand up and take ownership.
“As a team we will be better for that challenging period.”