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Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson says the current crop of players “cannot act like divas and stars” at the 2022 World Cup.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Eriksson believes the players must act as a team if they are to have any chance of lifting the trophy this winter.
England boss Gareth Southgate must have his final, 26-man squad ready by 13 November. The Three Lions then take on Iran in their opener on 21 November. Meetings with the USA and Wales follow on 25 and 29 November respectively.
England players must “help each other”
England’s players have been coming up against each other in club action over the last couple of months.
But any club rivalries must be put aside in order for the team to be united once the World Cup gets underway.
Another issue that comes with the format is egos, and Eriksson says these must be put to one side when the football starts in Qatar.
“It’s very good to have a lot of stars in the team, but they cannot act like divas and stars,” said Eriksson. “They have to be one of 26 players, that’s important.
“And they have to work together, they have to help each other and respect each other, whatever you are, which club you’re coming from, how much money you’re earning.
“You are here to make England great, and I think Southgate is doing that.”
England short of confidence
England are understandably short of confidence heading into the 2022 World Cup. They failed to win a single match in the recent UEFA Nations League campaign.
With three draws and three losses, Southgate’s side were relegated from League A Group 3. The country scored just four goals, the lowest number of goals scored by any of the 16 nations competing in League A of the UEFA Nations League.
Perhaps more worrying, however, is the fitness of some key players. Right-backs Reece James and Kyle Walker will be causing major concern for Southgate.
It remains to be seen whether they will recover from their respective injuries in time for the World Cup. Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also out injured.
Ex-England manager Eriksson was once in a similar position to Southgate. Looking back on his time as manager of the Three Lions, he is no stranger to injuries playing their part in major tournaments.
“The three big tournaments I was in charge, we were unlucky with injuries,” added Eriksson. “The first one was David Beckham. The second one in Portugal was Michael Owen, and the third one was Wayne Rooney was injured before.
“And of course they are three important players for England, key players I would say. So, a little bit of bad luck.”
Eriksson was in charge of England for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He was also in the dugout for Euro 2004.
Southgate meanwhile led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-final, with the Three Lions losing out to Croatia 2-1 after extra time. The boss also led the country to the final of Euro 2020, with Italy coming out on top in a penalty shoot-out.
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