England boss Gareth Southgate insists there is “no drama” between his squad and the media regarding the publication of what seem to be a team sheet showing tactics for Sunday’s game with Panama. Pictures were published of a piece of paper showing what looked to be a line-up and denoting possible changes to the team that beat Tunisia in last week’s World Cup opener.
However, Southgate has now clarified that he does not expect the English press to operate as fans would during the tournament and said the picture actually only showed plans for that day’s training session.
“I totally understand the media have a role to report the news,” he explained. “My only observation, which I probably haven’t worded properly, is it’s definitely an advantage if you know the tactics of the other team. I don’t expect the media to be supporters of us in terms of the way they work. I know they want us to do well; that’s been clear throughout the tournament.
“There’s no drama for me about it. The picture the other day wasn’t even the team. It was just a front sheet and the front sheet is always the runners and riders for training. I’m totally relaxed, I understand a few of the guys have had a bit of a bashing on social media so I apologise for that, I’ve experienced it myself,” Southgate said.