sport news Why do we not believe England can win the World Cup? Gareth Southgate's players ... trends now

sport news Why do we not believe England can win the World Cup? Gareth Southgate's players ... trends now
sport news Why do we not believe England can win the World Cup? Gareth Southgate's players ... trends now

sport news Why do we not believe England can win the World Cup? Gareth Southgate's players ... trends now

Within Gareth Southgate’s England squad, they talk about the shift in belief that has accompanied their progress through a World Cup semi-final to a European Championships final. 

They no longer hope to win, they almost expect to. Heroic failure is no longer an option. The question is this: When will the public catch up?

In England, among the supporters and certain sections of the media, half a century or more of failure to win big tournament matches has taken its toll and maybe this is why tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final against France is viewed by many as a bridge too far for Southgate’s team.

Gareth Southgate's England squad don't just believe, they expect to win the 2022 World Cup 

The country still needs convincing ahead of the Three Lions quarter-final clash with France

The country still needs convincing ahead of the Three Lions quarter-final clash with France

Images of Kylian Mbappe and his five goals at this tournament are vivid, for sure. Antoine Griezmann, meanwhile, is so consistent at this level he has now played 71 consecutive games for his country.

But England have very good players too. Captain Harry Kane would get a place in any team at this World Cup while young Jude Bellingham is emerging as Qatar’s stand out talent. 

The French are worried and concerned about our players. They do not see us as the underdogs we seem so happy to paint ourselves as.

Three Lions captain Harry Kane (pictured) would get a place in any team at the 2022 World Cup

Three Lions captain Harry Kane (pictured) would get a place in any team at the 2022 World Cup

‘We believe certainly as players, as individuals and a group,’ said full-back Kieran Trippier yesterday.

‘We need to perform, we know that, to make the supporters believe, to make you guys believe.

‘All we can ask for is support from fans back home and yourselves.

England have never beaten a major football nation away from home in a major tournament

England have never beaten a major football nation away from home in a major tournament

‘Every time we cross that line, you can see we’re going to give everything, play good football, score goals and keep clean sheets as well.

‘As a team, all we can ask for us is support, which you’ve given us - certainly since I’ve been with England.’

The task ahead of England this weekend is significant. An English national team has never beaten a major football nation away from home in a major tournament. That is a startling and slightly daunting fact.

Southgate’s players insist it is one that doesn’t trouble them. 

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