England's Southgate cites Germany blueprint as model for success

England manager Gareth Southgate hopes his team can ride the momentum generated by their run to the World Cup semi-finals and follow the path Germany took to the top of international football.

Southgate and his players have been hailed back home after reaching the last four for the first time since 1990, and for bringing together a nation bitterly divided over Brexit.

"They see a team that leaves everything on the pitch, which they have, and played with style. I think the public have enjoyed it," Southgate said before Saturday's third place play-off against Belgium.

"They've got to know the players a little bit better and realised the perception is different from the reality. I feel there'll be an affinity and something we can build on."
"We'll be stronger then because of age and big-match experiences that build resilience."
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"There is a culture that exists now that any new player that comes in has to follow."
"If you want to play for England you have to cope with that. Players can now associate playing for England with enjoyment, fun and not feeling under siege as if everything is against them."