Southgate says England ‘believe in what we are doing’ after Germany draw

Gareth Southgate said that England regained their belief during their 3-3 draw with Germany and are better equipped to handle the pressure of a World Cup, after putting their woes behind them by closing their disappointing Nations League campaign with an improved attacking display.

England’s manager was heartened to see his team mount a stirring fightback from 2-0 down at Wembley, only for Nick Pope to gift Kai Havertz a late equaliser, and he praised his players for sticking together after a horrible run of form.

Southgate was entitled to feel optimistic about his side’s performance in their final game before Qatar, even though Germany’s first two goals stemmed from defensive errors by Harry Maguire. England, whose six-match winless run is their worst since 1993, responded superbly after falling behind. Luke Shaw dragged them back into it by ended the side’s run of 565 minutes without a goal from open play, Mason Mount scored a fine equaliser and the stadium was bouncing after Harry Kane put England ahead from the spot.

“The players have been fantastic in the last few days,” Southgate said. “They have taken some individual responsibility, collectively talked in the group and the whole experience has been one we needed to grow the team.

“We are going to have pressure in a World Cup. You can try and avoid it but it is coming so better we feel it and learn how to deal with it.

“The players reacted in the right way when Germany scored. We showed character but also a lot of quality and I think the crowd also came with us and stayed with us. Even at 0-2, they didn’t get on their back and that was so important for us.

“We scored and the roof almost lifted off and we all remember what it feels like for a goal to go in. Then we