England’s new relaxed atmosphere at the World Cup has been tested over the past 48 hours.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, though, remains fully confident in whatever side he eventually elects to send out against Panama in Nizhny Novgorod.
Given the way England started – and finished – their Group G opener against Tunisia, he should be.
The #ThreeLions are all set for a big day of training in Repino, before we head for Nizhny Novgorod tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Z0EDynq0rf
— England (@England) June 22, 2018
“We are a team that is improving all the time, individuals are improving all of the time and for most of those players, it is their first experience of the World Cup,” Southgate said to ITV Sport.
“To play with the freedom they did, the energy and pace that they did (in the first hour of the game against Tunisia), I thought it was as good as anything I have seen in the tournament up to this point.”
No matter what the formation or personnel, an expectant nation will all be united in hoping for more of the same against Panama – just perhaps without the stoppage-time drama please!
Picture of the day
Quote of the day
The England manager has his say on the publication of a photograph which could have hinted at a possible line-up for Sunday’s game against Panama.
Video of the day
Daily Social
Looks like the #ThreeLions have that #FridayFeeling… 😀 pic.twitter.com/YQ3SQC1SVh
— England (@England) June 22, 2018
What’s on tomorrow?
England will train in St Petersburg during the morning before travelling to Nizhny Novgorod and will hold a press conference at the stadium with Southgate and a player from 1545 to preview the Panama match.
Three Lions throwback
