England will have to be 'close to perfect' to win 2022 World Cup, says Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate, England
The England manager insists his side are one of the favourites heading to Qatar this winter, but they'll have their work cut out for them if they are to lift the trophy.
After a semi-final defeat in the previous World Cup, and a narrow penalty shootout defeat in the European Championships, it feels as though England are inching closer to silverware under Gareth Southgate.
Their next opportunity comes at the 2022 World Cup this winter, where the Three Lions are among the favourites to win.
But while Southgate admits his team are among the world's best right now, the 51-year-old also suggested it will be "incredibly difficult" to pull off.
He said: "We have said to the team this week, 'if we can get to a semi-final, we can get to a final, and we did. If we can get to a final, we can win'. That's clear.
"To do that is incredibly difficult and we'll have to be as close to perfect as can be.
"That's the challenge for us, not just when we get to Qatar, because we've got to be in the right condition, even before that. That's what we've got to work towards every day we're together.
"We know we've had consistent performances over a three, four-year period and we are one of the teams - I think there are a few - that could win this tournament."
England have been placed in pot one for Friday's draw, alongside the other highest-ranked six nations. With Germany, the Netherlands and Croatia all in pot two, England could face a difficult group come November.
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However, Southgate insists that while there are a few daunting opponents lurking in the second pot, teams will also be hoping to avoid England in the draw.
"We've definitely got respectability and I think we will be a team other teams wouldn't look forward to playing.
"But that's a double-edged sword though because some teams are going to prepare differently for you.
"You're there to be shot at and they are going to have a specific way of playing to try and stop you, but some will be a little bit fearful of you and might allow you more of the game, so from our point of view, what really matters is how it makes us feel about ourselves."
