Ahead of the much-anticipated England vs Colombia clash, Jesse Lingard emphasized that the Three Lions must keep raising their game. “We’re playing exciting football and showcasing the talent of England’s younger generation. I want this to continue,” he said. Lingard expressed full confidence in his teammates, many of whom are young and relatively inexperienced. For some, this will be one of the biggest matches of their careers.
Despite the controversy sparked when Gareth Southgate benched several starters in the final group match—a narrow 0-1 loss to Belgium—the England manager remained unfazed. He acknowledged that the early exits of top contenders like Spain and Portugal had sharpened England’s focus. “This is international football. This is the World Cup. But we have to believe in our style of play. Challenges will keep coming, but over the past year, we’ve already faced France, Spain, Germany, and Brazil. We are ready for this moment.”
Drawing from his own experience in Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup, Southgate noted, “Football at this level has changed—it’s more exciting and more visible than ever before. There’s more noise from the outside, but we’re getting closer to our dream.” He emphasized the need to take it one match at a time. England wants to reach the quarterfinals—something they’ve failed to do in the last two World Cups—but every game demands full focus. “We’ve got players who can handle their attackers, and we’re ready to cause them problems. We need to keep raising our level,” he added.
Southgate revealed that as early as ten months ago, during the qualifiers, he already sensed this squad had everything it takes to succeed. After England secured their spot, fans celebrated at Wembley by throwing paper airplanes, and supporters were singing for the team as they rode the bus back to their hotel in Malta. “It felt like we reconnected with the public, like we were bringing joy to people again,” he said.
Lingard echoed the sentiment, saying the team needs to keep pushing to the next level. “The further you go, the tougher it gets. But we can handle it. Everyone’s sharp in training—100% focus from everyone.” In the past, internal cliques were often blamed for England’s failures on the big stage. But this squad, under Southgate, shows no signs of division.
Just last Friday, several England players—including Lingard, Welbeck, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, and Rashford—visited a theme park in Saint Petersburg together. They come from England’s three biggest clubs—Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. In the days of Ferdinand, Lampard, Gerrard, and the Neville brothers, such unity would’ve been rare. Lingard sees it as a sign of real progress, calling it a “new revolution.”
“I think you’ve got to leave club rivalries behind. We get along really well in the national team, and that’s why we’re playing so well,” Lingard said. “Everyone gets on. No drama, no factions. We’re like one big family. The connection between us is strong.”
He even shared some quirky habits among the squad: “Before games, I like to talk to myself. Ashley Young always puts on his left sock first, then his left leg into his shorts, and even his shirt starts with the left sleeve. Everything he does starts from the left.”
As for their opponents, Lingard had high praise. “Colombia is a great team—tough, physical, and determined. Falcao is a world-class striker, deadly around the box.” With confidence, unity, and spirit on their side, this new-look England squad is aiming to make history—and Crickex Login followers are watching every step of the way.