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Butcher calling for united England at World Cup
Terry Butcher was the last man to lead out an England side in a semi-final of the World Cup against West Germany in 1990.
Since then England have reached two quarter-finals, the round of 16 twice and failed to get out of the group stages four years ago in Brazil.
A humiliating exit at the hands of minnows Iceland followed two years later at Euro 2016 but Butcher feels current boss Gareth Southgate has managed to bring this current batch of stars together to fight for one cause.
Southgate knows all too well the devastation of knockout football, having missed the crucial penalty in the Euro 96 semi-final against Germany and Butcher hopes this England squad can right the wrongs of recent history.
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“I think it’s a good group for us. Tunisia and Panama are very winnable then it’s the Belgium game which will be a cracker. Then after that who knows,” Butcher said, speaking at a preview event for sporting documentary Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager.
“But after the major disappointments of 2014 and then 2016, going to the tournament, a lot of these players played in 2016 and had that bad experience. They will be more determined than ever to enjoy this one and make it a success.
“I’m cautiously optimistic. I’m looking forward to seeing how we will do. This is a challenge they’ve got to respond to and thrive under.
“I like Gareth a lot and he’s been there. He was part of one of the last great English teams. They got to the semi-finals in Euro 96.
“He’s aware of the problems of the squad being away from home. He’s experienced at that. It’s mentally tough being away.
“Gareth is going to get them to do a lot more together as a group and that’s more important. If you like the guys you’re with then you’re going to work hard for each other.
“If someone has your back and you have their back it makes a huge difference. You don’t become a great side overnight but you become a better side when you have that commitment to one another.”
Packing
Butcher played 77 times for England with his final game coming against West Germany in Turin where Chris Waddle and Stuart Pearce missed spot kicks to send England packing in the last four.
While the retired centre-back doesn’t believe this England squad is as good as Robson’s 1990 vintage, the 59-year-old has been impressed with the improved defensive displays.
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England kept clean sheets against Germany, Brazil and the Netherlands in in recent months but having defensive discipline in a major tournament is a different ball game, according to Butcher.
And with Southgate having now announced the 23 players that will head to Russia, a new England approach looks set to be on the cards – namely a system featuring wingbacks and three centre-halves.
He said: “I don’t think they’re anywhere near as close as that side of 1990 because that was a unique team. You thought with Bobby [Robson]’s side it was coming to a pinnacle.
“One of the things that’s the biggest challenge is getting 23 players to commit to push for the same goal for six or seven weeks.
“The defensive record is better but there’s always a World Cup record. Tournament defending is completely different.
“I think Gareth has a good bunch of lads in there and I think there’s more harmony and camaraderie and belief among this group of players than there has been in previous squads with the superstars.”
Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager coming to select theatres 1st June. Now available to pre-order, Digital Download 1st June & Blu-Ray/DVD 4th June
