03 September, 2017
England manager Gareth Southgate said his players must get supporters on their feet when they face Slovakia on Monday but called for strong backing from the Wembley crowd.
A brace from Harry Kane, coupled with a first England strike for Ryan Bertrand and a tidy finish from Danny Welbeck on his return to worldwide duty mean the Three Lions remain in a strong position in their group with just three games remaining.
While manager Gareth Southgate defended the display against Malta, and will prioritise three points on Monday over style, he knows the fans want evidence his side can make an impression in Russian Federation next year after a series of flops in major tournaments.
Southgate said to BBC Sport: "The core of the team will stay the same". But equally everywhere we go around the world, the opposition crowds really give the team a lift.
"We have a responsibility to get them on their feet. It will be great if we can get the level of support that stadium (Wembley) can bring".
Victory on Monday would propel England five points clear of second-placed Slovakia in Group F, with two qualification matches to play, and firmly on course for next summer's finals in Russian Federation.
"They are a good side with players we respect".
"It's also a fantastic opportunity for us now".
"The whole country wants to be at the World Cup". "He has been playing very well for Manchester United this season and we wouldn't hesitate to start him".
"Our matches with them were really tight", said Southgate.
'Not just this season, in terms of when I've been looking at him, but there was a long period last season where I think he's been the best defender'.
Southgate, meanwhile, has resisted the temptation to name a permanent successor to former skipper Wayne Rooney, who announced his worldwide retirement last month, but has confirmed that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will retain the armband.
Gareth Southgate has told us that Jordan Henderson will be captain again and that Joe Hart will continue in goal.
