Good performances the goal for Gareth Southgate as England build up to World Cup

Gareth Southgate wants consistently high performances as England kick off their World Cup preparations fresh from seeing Euro 2020 foes Italy showing what can happen if levels drop.

Now just a matter of days away from finding out their opponents in Qatar, the Three Lions are gearing up for the winter tournament with a Wembley double-header.

England will be without several key players for the friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast but Southgate’s preparations have not been thrown off-kilter.

The 51-year-old has proven flexible during challenging moments during his reign and will use this break to help aid their approach to the World Cup.

“Always performance – we want good performances, consistent performances,” the England boss said.

We want good performances, consistent performances- Gareth Southgate

“We’re used to having to be adaptable and make changes so that doesn’t worry us.

“Normally, whichever team we put out, we get a consistent level from the players and that’s huge credit to them.

“When you lose players, it’s not that we sit and mope around, it’s just ‘OK, what’s the best solution and how do we adjust to the changes that we’ve got to make?’.

“We’ll do that for tomorrow and for Tuesday, it’s an opportunity for everybody to get on the pitch.”

England’s consistency under Southgate has been impressive, having followed their run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals by finishing third in the inaugural Nations League finals the following year.

The Three Lions then enjoyed on an unforgettable run to the Euro 2020 final before suffering penalty shoot-out heartache against Italy, who will be conspicuous by their absence in Qatar.

Roberto Mancini’s side fell to a shock home defeat to North Macedonia in Thursday’s