Gareth Southgate will enjoy rare advantages as he prepares the England football team to face Croatia in their opening match of the European Championships on Sunday.
The England manager can call on players who embody a blend of youth and experience, as well playing at least three matches at home at Wembley Stadium, London. It is a confluence of factors that provides, perhaps, just perhaps, the nation’s best shot at lifting a major international trophy since winning the World Cup at the same arena in 1966.
“We need good professionals, tactically-savvy players,” said Southgate at a recent press conference. “We’re fortunate we’ve got old and young players who fit all those categories.”