Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson believes Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager is “outstanding” and appears confident the Three Lions can continue to impress at the World Cup as they prepare for their crunch quarter-final against France.
England face Les Bleus in Al Khor on Saturday night as one of only four unbeaten teams remaining in the competition, having won three and drawn the other of their four matches at the tournament.
Their path to the quarter-finals was confirmed by a 3-0 triumph over Senegal in the last 16, their most impressive performance so far, although they face a mighty challenge against the World Cup holders at the Al Bayt Stadium.