Gareth Southgate says the level of disappointment in the England camp about their third-place finish in the UEFA Nations League means he knows the Three Lions are still on the right track.
It took a penalty shootout for Southgate’s men to see off Switzerland in the third place game in Guimaraes on Sunday, which meant another good experience for the squad.
And the manager believes his side were worthy winners and should’ve sealed victory before it went top spot-kicks.
“It was important that we responded today with a high-level of performance,” admitted Southgate.
“And the players adapted really well because we changed the shape and they carried it out really well.
“We should’ve won the game, with the opportunities we created and the number of times we hit the woodwork so it was a good response.
“We prepared well for that eventuality [penalties] and talked to the players about it three weeks ago, as we knew that in a competition like this, it could happen.
“So it’s great for all of the staff when that hard work comes to fruition.”
Following the semi-final defeat to the Dutch in the last game, Southgate admits his players needed lifting.
But he also says the attitude he’s seen from everyone gives him hope for the future, especially with aims of being involved at Euro 2020 next summer.
“We’ve had some good discussions over the last few days about only getting as far as we did,” he revealed.
“There’s a real determination from all of us, that you don’t get many opportunities as an international team and you’ve got to strive to take the next step in the next few years.
“For me, the significant step is the level of disappointment we have leaving here having not gone to the Final or got the trophy.
“That took some lifting over the last couple of days for everyone because none of us were satisfied.”
