Gascoigne: Southgate is ‘the answer to everything’ for England
Paul Gascoigne has heaped praise on former team-mate Gareth Southgate, claiming he is ‘the answer to everything’ for England.
The Three Lions boss is looking to replicate their 2018 World Cup campaign by reaching another semi-final at Euro 2020.
They face Ukraine on Saturday evening after beating Germany 2-0 in a memorable last-16 encounter.
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Speaking ahead of the game in Rome, Gascoigne told The Sun: “The crucial thing is for as many England fans as possible to get to the game and, most importantly, get behind Gareth.
“He’s the answer to everything for us, and we need to believe in him.
“I know Gareth well and we’re still good mates so I know he’s got what it takes to take us all the way. He’s the key.”
England fans have been warned not to travel to Italy from the UK due to a rise in coronavirus cases.
Instead, the team will be cheered on by England supporters already living in mainland Europe.
Southgate came under fire from some pundits for leaving Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish on the bench in the group stage.
But his selection has been vindicated by the brilliant form of Raheem Sterling. Bukayo Saka also picked up the man of the match award during the 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.
Grealish impressed as a substitute against Germany, coming off the bench to set up Harry Kane for the second goal.
Sancho, meanwhile, looks set to start against Ukraine in the quarter-final.
Gascoigne added: “Gareth is amazing, and a good mate. I’ve spoken to him fairly recently before the tournament.
“We’ve always stayed in touch. When we played together, he was an amazing team-mate but a brilliant bloke off the pitch, too.
“He’s always been good to me on a personal level. He’s very approachable. He understands people and he understands football. He’s a smart guy.
“He’s also very proud of his role with England, which he should be. It’s the ultimate job for a football man, and he really deserves it.”
Ukraine will provide a stern test at the Stadio Olimpico and should not be underestimated.
Southgate says he won’t rest his four booked players against Andriy Shevchenko’s side as that would be an ‘insult’ to their talent.
