Footballers and psychologists don’t always see eye-to-eye. Quite literally. It’s well known that some players won’t sit down in the same room as one, let alone enter into conversation.

Even certain managers won’t hear of it. “In life, you need to be strong. Psychologists? No.”

Claudio Ranieri’s response to questions about how well mentally prepared his team were to defend their Premier League title was accused of being archaic. Though don’t believe the Italian is isolated in his views.

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So Gareth Southgate took a punt when he invited Dr Pippa Grange to join his backroom team in Russia.

Charged with enhancing the ‘culture and mindset’ of England teams, her role was an improvement in psychological resilience. So far, so good.

Grange begun work with all 16 men’s and women’s teams, plus their coaches and staff back in November.

Originally from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, she was the “suitable figure” the FA’s worldwide search unearthed. She returned to the UK following more than 20 years in Australia, where the Loughborough University graduate and former women’s basketball player worked in many areas, including within Aussie Rules, with the Australia’s national swimming federation and in the National League.

She later became general manager of culture and leadership at the AFL’s player association. She also owns her own consultancy.

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A part of Southgate’s charm is his approach to new methods.

England’s various penalty shoot-out disasters over the years are always laced with worn out phrases and tiresome cliches. The ‘rub of the green’ or ‘Lady Luck’. Managers will speak of the lottery they bought a ticket to play.

Some even refuse to perfect the 12-yard dead ball art, suggesting hours of practice is unable to recreate what it is actually like in the heat of battle.

Southgate refuses to fall into line. The Three Lions managers knows it is possible to control the controllable. You can shake off the past which has haunted you by embracing new ideas and he says mental well-being is now critical.

Dr Grange has only served to reinforce his philosophy.

The 47-year-old was described by Dele Alli as ‘an amazing person’ – and it seems like he isn’t the only one impressed.

“She’s done a lot of work with us,” the Tottenham midfielder said. “You can see how hard she works and she really knows what she’s talking about, she’s helped us a lot.

“She’s done a lot of stuff with us, takes a lot of meetings. Everyone listens to her when she talks.”

Ashley Young is sold. “Different people will speak to her differently,” the wing-back explained. “Of course the mental side of football is important, but we’ve had it since the day we arrived here.”

It surely can’t be a coincidence that England are approaching their biggest game in 28 years having overcome some many mental hurdles.

What is it they say? It’s good to talk.

Southgate’s backroom team:

Steve Holland – assistant manager

Southgate’s trusted lieutenant, Holland worked as a coach at Chelsea before joining the England set-up and works closely with the manager to concoct match-winning tactical plans.

Allan Russell – attacking coach

A Glaswegian who came through the academy at Rangers, Russell works with England’s forwards and has been praised for helping the team score more goals from set-pieces.

Martyn Margetson – goalkeeper coach

Appointed by Allardyce, the Welshman was kept on by Southgate and focuses on working with Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Nick Pope in Russia, having worked in a similar role with Wales during their run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

Dr Rob Chakraverty – team doctor

Another man appointed during Allardyce’s short time in charge, England’s team doctor Chakraverty formerly worked for UK Athletics before moving across to join the Football Association in 2016.

Rhys Long – head of performance analysis and insight

Long has 17 analysts working under him as he and his team support all of England’s playing staff, mostly with team performance. He previously fulfilled a similar position at the Welsh Rugby Union.

Dr Pippa Grange – head of people and team development

Grange has received public praise from some members of the England squad and is currently with them in Russia. A sports psychology specialist, she works on helping players improve their mental approach to the game.