Gareth Southgate praises 'ruthless' England
Gareth Southgate described his England side as ‘ruthless’ following a 4-0 win over Kosovo in their final Euro 2020 Group A match.
England were leading 1-0 with 12 minutes to go, but goals from Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount gave the Three Lions a comfortable win.
Southgate explained: “I think it was a tight game, a good test for us really. A difficult pitch in particular. A lot of people slipping that meant passes went astray. But we needed a tighter game, it was the sort of match that I was quite happy we got.
“We had to withstand spells of pressure, gave them a few half chances that on another night would have been more of a problem, but in the end our counter attacking was absolutely ruthless.
“We come out of this group stronger than when we started it. I can’t fault the players with what they have done throughout this qualifying campaign they have been ruthless.”
READ MORE: England cruise past Kosovo with 4-0 win to end Euro 2020 qualifying
The England boss reserved special praise for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are a long spell on the sidelines through injury, and Harry Winks, starting a different position than where he plays for his club side, Tottenham.
Southgate added: “I think Alex tonight, he was a real plus with the power of his running and attacking threat. Harry Winks was excellent both games. He really took the ball well tonight when we needed calming.
“His ability to receive the ball under pressure and keep the calmness and keep it really settled the team.”
England have been guilty of struggling from corners in some matches during this qualifying campaign, and most of Kosovo’s chances came from set plays. Southgate is keen to address the issue.
He said: “I think set-plays are something we need to go away and have a look at. Not that we have conceded, but there have been too many people free in the box and chances given away. We are always looking to improve.”
Featured from our writers
