England manager is less worry about pressure in his squad as the World Cup fast approaches.
He was less dismissive about pressure at a World Cup, but being an astute man-manager, Southgate brought in outside help this week to challenge that perception too.
‘My belief as I get old is pressure is what you perceive it to be,’ he said. ‘Very often it is influenced by what you read or watch or indoctrinate your mind with. What is it really?
‘We had some guys in from the Marines yesterday (Tuesday) who had lost limbs in different situations. What is the pressure on us? We are going to play for England, going to a World Cup, which is the highlight of anyone’s career, with a group of mates. It is fantastic.