Jesse Lingard: Gareth Southgate’s ‘formation suits us perfectly’ claims England star

JESSE LINGARD claims Gareth Southgate has staged a Russian Revolution and vowed that his Red Army have no plans to stop their march any time soon.
The Three Lions will be in their crimson away strip for tomorrow night’s clash in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, knowing a win will set them up with a quarter-final again Sweden or Switzerland on Saturday.

And after most of them were rested for the final group game against Belgium, they are chomping at the bit to take up the flag once more.

”It feels like a new revolution,” the Manchester United playmaker said. “The manager has a great idea of how he wants us to play. The formation suits us perfectly and it’s a youthful squad but we’ve still got those experienced players in there and the team spirit is amazing at the moment. Everyone has come together and is really bonding.

“We’re excited, we’re enjoying the World Cup and we have just got to keep going now.”
Lingard is typical of the style of energetic youngster who has replaced the old guard and won around the hearts of the nation with his commitment to the cause.

He is also at the centre of the squad’s lively social scene, having led a group of five players on a trip to St Petersburg’s biggest roller-coaster during the players’ day off following the game against Belgium.

Just because things are starting to get serious now the World Cup is entering its knockout stages, Lingard insists it does not mean the players have to.

“We don’t need to change too much,” he said. “No matter what round we’re in, we’re still going to play the same. We’re going to play with no fear and play with that freedom.




“That’s what got us here, so why change? We’re not going to change for no one or no team.

“Everyone’s excited more than anything. It’s a great chance for us as players to really go far in this competition and we believe in ourselves that we can do that.”

Colombia will present a far sterner test than the two teams England beat to qualify, Tunisia and Panama, but Lingard is under no illusion.

“There is another level in training,” he said. “Everyone is sharp and everyone is 100 per cent on it. When it comes to the game we know we are ready and we have another gear.
“Certainly going home would be disappointing. We know as players and staff it would be disappointing, so we’ve got to go out and play with no fear, play free, enjoy the occasion, enjoy the moment and get the victory.”

Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez is not as badly injured as first thought and could play against England.

The 2014 Golden Boot winner was a major doubt after he missed training on Friday, a day after he lasted only 30 minutes of the 1-0 win over Senegal.

“James Rodriguez underwent a scan which showed that he is suffering from minor edema (swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid) in his right leg, but that there has been no muscle tear,” the Colombia FA said.

Source:www.express.co.uk