Southgate and Walker explain how England have changed since Euro final against Italy

Gareth Southgate and Kyle Walker have been on Media responsibility within the England camp on Monday, forward of Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier towards Italy, with each dealing with questions on how England have modified in comparison with the Euro 2020 closing. 

Tuesday’s qualifier would be the first time that the Azzurri have returned to Wembley since being topped European champions in the summertime of 2021, a night which nonetheless pains the England camp to consider. 

Kye Walker, who began within the closing simply over two years in the past, and is predicted to earn his 79th cap on Tuesday, was requested if England have some extent to show and whether or not dealing with Italy at Wembley shall be further motivation for the gamers. 

He replied: “In fact, to do what we did in that particular summer time, to reach so shut and doubtless, for me, to concede a aim from a set play once we had been so good, it was a bit devastating. 

“However I really feel like at membership stage, we went to Porto and misplaced towards Chelsea (within the Champions League closing) after which two years later, I’ve gone and executed the treble. So, I really feel that folks and groups evolve from that, I feel you be taught from events whenever you’ve had set-backs. 

“We get a draw and we undergo. Firstly, it’s about going out and placing a efficiency on and successful, however I gained’t be ashamed if it’s a 0-0 and we’re within the Euros.” 

Southgate was then requested the follow-up query concerning the Euro closing towards Italy, particularly how the Three Lions have modified for the reason that earlier encounter between the 2 nations in London. 

“Expertise, Expertise of successful large matches, constant performances,” he defined.  “We’ve been ranked within the prime 5 on the planet now since 2018, so I don’t suppose there’s been another interval over the past 30-40 years the place that has been the case.” 

England and Italy are the present prime two in Group C of qualifying, though the hosts solely require some extent to ensure their place within the closing event subsequent summer time. 

“The primary goal is at all times to qualify for the tournaments,” Southgate instructed the press. “Our performances earlier within the group have put us in a very sturdy place. 

“The very first thing we wish to do is play nicely, win the sport, however we all know if it’s the 87th minute and we’re stage, we all know we don’t should lob the goalkeeper into the field on the finish of the sport.”