Gareth Southgate promises England players strange World Cup gift

England fans in party mood after cruising to victory against Wales in World Cup

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England manager Gareth Southgate has rewarded his squad’s safe passage into the World Cup knockout stages with a day off… complimented with milkshakes. The Three Lions have continued a welcome tradition from the 2018 tournament but with a Middle-Eastern twist after topping Group B in Qatar.

Tuesday’s 3-0 triumph against Wales secured top spot ahead of the USA, who qualified as runners-up ahead of Iran. Marcus Rashford netted impressive solo strikes on either side of Phil Foden’s back-post tap-in to set up a round-of-16 clash against Senegal, who finished behind the Netherlands in Group A.

Four years ago, Southgate gifted his squad a few beers each as they relaxed ahead of preparation for their last-16 meeting with Colombia. And he has followed tradition this winter, but with the alcohol supply thin in that corner of the world, the Three Lions have had to settle for milkshakes.

After the win over Wales, Southgate told reporters how England planned to celebrate conquering Group B. He said: “We’ve got loads of milkshakes back at the hotel! Everything is different here, isn’t it? We’re embracing it. We love our base camp. The people who are operating the hotel are fabulous.

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“We’re enjoying each other’s company; the players are really tight. They get a day off now. They need that breather. They don’t have to look at our faces, which I’m sure they’re delighted with. We can start to prepare for the knockout round. The big business starts now, really.”

Southgate was asked whether there was a different feeling among the camp, other than consuming milky soft drinks rather than beer. And while he believes there’s more ‘belief’ among his players, he has admitted the expectations are higher in Qatar after two successful major tournaments.

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  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears on the pitch for home games.
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  • 100% polyester.
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England Away Stadium Shirt 2022 – Adult

£74.95 View Deal

  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears for on the pitch for away games.
  • Nike Dri-FIT technology is sweat-wicking to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Adult sizes ranging S – XXL.
  • 100% polyester.
  • Machine Washable.
  • Free UK delivery available with code ENGWEMBLEY.

England Home Stadium Shirt 2022 – Kids

From £59.95 View Deal

  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears for on the pitch for home games.
  • Nike Dri-FIT technology is sweat-wicking to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Kids sizes ranging XS – XL.
  • 100% polyester.
  • Machine Washable.
  • Free UK delivery available with code ENGWEMBLEY.
  • Customisable with player name and number or choice of text (£74.95)

England Away Stadium Shirt 2022 – Kids

From £59.95 View Deal

  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears for on the pitch for away games
  • Nike Dri-FIT technology is sweat-wicking to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Kids sizes ranging XS – XL.
  • 100% polyester.
  • Machine Washable.
  • Free UK delivery available with code ENGWEMBLEY.
  • Customisable with player name and number or choice of text (£74.95)

“I think definitely [there is a different feeling] compared to Russia. There’s a different mentality about the whole group; there’s more belief,” Southgate added. “Our objectives are different. In Russia, we were just thinking, ‘can we win a knockout game?’

“There’s more expectation now, more confidence. I don’t know if we’re ahead of where we were last summer. But we’re pleased the first objective [of qualification] is achieved. We’ve got most of the team out on the pitch, which is fabulous for the group. And no yellow cards, which is a really good position.”

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