GARETH SOUTHGATE has travelled to Vienna to watch Iran play Senegal in a friendly.
The England manager is busy preparing for the Qatar World Cup after the Three Lions’ Nations League campaign concluded with a 3-3 draw against Germany.
And with England set to take on Iran in their opening World Cup fixture, Southgate is doing his homework in person.
He was joined by his assistant manager Steve Holland at the behind closed doors match.
Southgate, 52, was likely casting an eye over Iran’s dangermen to work out how to nullify Carlos Queiroz’s side.
The England boss looked in good spirits despite mounting pressure on his team, and took time to pose for photos with fans ahead of kick-off.
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Despite a run of six matches without a win Southgate has belief in his squad and is re-assured by the leadership qualities some players have shown in recent days.
He said after the Germany match: “Some of the more senior players have been outstanding.
“They asked for a meeting on their own to talk things through. For me that was such a positive sign. The best football teams have a real core of players that drive things.
“To have the right sort of messages filtering through to the group to keep people on track is crucial. We need to stay calm.
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“We have been through times like this before but they are all learning together. The message is we must stick to what we do.
“You will have pressure in a World Cup. It may be in a group game or in a quarter-final. It is better we feel it and learn how to feel about it.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
