Southgate makes shirt a ‘layer not a straitjacket’

Gareth Southgate has been praised for turning England’s shirt into a “layer rather than a straitjacket” by the manager of World Cup opponents USA.

Southgate led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.

“Gareth has done a great job helping the players deal with the pressure,” USA boss Gregg Berhalter said.

“Actually using the shirt as a layer rather than a straight shirt and it really gives them the freedom to play on the pitch, giving them the idea that they can represent their country in a positive way and make the country proud “.

Southgate’s men produced a spirited performance, if not the result they were looking for, as they fought back from 2-0 down to 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley on Monday night.

Captain Harry Kane said the screen showed the “determination, passion and desire to wear this England shirt”as they drew a line in a winless Nations League campaign that saw them relegated from the top tier.

Despite England’s recent poor run of form, which included a Defeat 4-0 at home to Hungary, Berhalter is confident the Euro 2020 runners-up are capable of mounting a challenge in Qatar.

“I think we all agree that they have a squad that can win the World Cup,” he said.

England will begin their World Cup campaign in Group B against Iran on November 21, before games against the USA (November 25) and Wales (November 29).