Gareth Southgate explains why England are better prepared for World Cup knockout stages than they were in 2018

GARETH SOUTHGATE believes his England side are more prepared for the World Cup knockout stages than they were in 2018.

Southgate led the Three Lions to the last four in Russia in 2018 and went one further last year with a Euros final.

Gareth Southgate after England’s win over WalesRichard Pelham / The Sun

England now play Senegal on Sunday in the last 16 in Qatar and do so more confident than ever.

Southgate said: “I think there is a different mentality. More belief. In Russia, we were just thinking, ‘Can we win a knockout game?’

“Now there is more confidence and more experience of knockout matches. We are pleased the first objective is achieved.

“The spirit of the team is good we have got most of the team on the pitch which is fabulous for the dynamic – and no yellow cards which is good.”

A double from Marcus Rashford and first World Cup goal for Phil Foden saw off Wales 3-0.

And it was United’s Rashford, who came in at left-wing for the match, who received high praise from boss Southgate.

He said: “Watching lots of games the big players have stepped up.

“And our forwards didn’t do that in the first half but in the second half they really did.

“You need goals from all areas. It is a problem for opposition if the threat is coming from other areas of the pitch.

“It is competition for places and people have to deliver. You can see with his club there has been happiness in his performances.

“We have a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer.”

GettyEngland manager Gareth Southgate hugs Marcus Rashford[/caption]