Under Gareth Southgate’s guidance, England reached the Euro 2020 final, cementing his reputation as a capable leader. Now, Southgate has set his sights even higher, aiming to propel England to the pinnacle of FIFA’s world rankings.
As they stand fourth globally, England is gearing up for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia this Monday. Having secured their spot in the upcoming tournament in Germany, a tie in this game would ensure their position as one of the primary seeds.
Southgate emphasizes the importance of precision and commitment in their quest for the top spot. “To be the best, every performance must be flawless. There’s no room for half-hearted efforts,” he remarked.
Currently, Argentina holds the coveted top rank, followed by France and Brazil. England, maintaining a consistent presence in the top five for the past five years, is on the brink of overtaking Brazil for the third spot in the upcoming rankings update on November 30. However, Southgate’s aspirations go beyond just climbing the ladder; he’s aiming for the summit.
He acknowledges that reaching number one is a significant motivator, as it reflects sustained excellence and peak performance in major tournaments, which carry substantial ranking points. “It’s about the daily discipline, both in training and beyond,” Southgate adds.
England, dealing with several injuries, will miss Kieran Trippier against North Macedonia due to personal reasons. Jarrod Bowen also left the camp due to injury, adding to the list of absentees including Jude Bellingham, Levi Colwill, James Maddison, Callum Wilson, and Lewis Dunk.
Despite these challenges, Southgate maintains that competition within the squad is intense, and the window for players to secure their spots is narrowing. “Some players have a handful of games to make their mark, whether it’s for the squad or the starting lineup,” he noted.
Southgate, aged 53, also expressed concern that the focus might be drifting towards the Euros too soon, especially after England’s underwhelming 2-0 win against Malta. “We need to concentrate on the immediate tasks. Let’s handle today, then March, and then the summer will follow,” he stated.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gareth Southgate England
What is Gareth Southgate’s goal for the England football team?
Gareth Southgate, the England team manager, aims to lead the team to the number one spot in the FIFA world rankings. He emphasizes the importance of consistent, high-level performances in both qualifiers and major tournaments to achieve this goal.
How is England currently positioned in FIFA’s rankings?
England is currently ranked fourth in FIFA’s world rankings. They are close to moving up to third place, potentially overtaking Brazil in the next update of the rankings.
What are England’s prospects in the Euro 2024 qualifier?
England has already qualified for the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. A draw in their final qualifier against North Macedonia would ensure they are among the top seeds for the tournament.
Who are the current top teams in FIFA’s world rankings?
As of the latest rankings, Argentina holds the top position in the FIFA world rankings, followed by France in second place and Brazil in third.
What challenges is the England team facing in the qualifiers?
The England team is dealing with several injuries and absentees, including Kieran Trippier and Jarrod Bowen. Despite these challenges, Southgate highlights the intense competition for places in the squad and the urgency for players to prove themselves.
Has Gareth Southgate expressed any concerns about the team’s focus?
Yes, Southgate expressed concerns about the team’s focus, especially following a lackluster 2-0 victory over Malta. He feels there’s been too much early talk about the Euros, potentially distracting the team from their immediate objectives.
More about Gareth Southgate England
- FIFA World Rankings
- Euro 2024 Qualifiers
- England Football Team
- Gareth Southgate Biography
- England vs North Macedonia Match Details
- England’s Performance in Euro 2020
- Football Injury Updates
- Football Daily Podcast
7 comments
injuries always ruining our chances, feel bad for Southgate. He’s trying to build a team and half of them are always out.
So southgate thinks he can take England to the top? good luck with that! they always choke in the big games.
FIFA rankings are a joke anyway, who cares if we’re 1st or 4th, its the trophies that count! lets focus on winning something first.
Southgate’s got the right attitude, discipline is key! We need more than just talent to beat teams like Argentina and France.
why is everyone so obsessed with rankings? Just play the game and the results will follow. Rankings don’t mean much if you can’t deliver when it counts.
England at number one? hah, maybe if they stop playing like they’re half asleep. last game was a snooze fest…
People underestimate Southgate. He took us to the Euro finals, remember? Give the man some credit!