Gareth Southgate Aims for Top FIFA Ranking

Gareth Southgate, the manager of the English national team, is resolute in his determination to guide his squad to the pinnacle of the FIFA rankings. Presently positioned in fourth position, trailing Argentina, France, and Brazil, England has the potential to ascend to third place in the forthcoming update. Having already secured their qualification for Euro 2024, it is highly likely that England will be placed among the top-seeded teams in the group stage draw.

In anticipation of their final qualifier against North Macedonia, Southgate expressed his eagerness for an enhanced performance. He believes that the lackluster showing in their 2-0 victory over Malta was a result of the team’s preoccupation with the upcoming European Championship. Southgate urges his players to focus on the here and now and explore fresh avenues for development.

Recognizing England’s current position as the third-best team globally, Southgate stressed the importance of continuous improvement. To establish themselves as a top-tier team, they must maintain a consistently high level of performance. Southgate is motivated by the ambition to secure the top spot in the rankings, which demands unwavering consistency and sets the benchmark for their daily training and conduct.

Additionally, Southgate shared squad updates, disclosing that Jarrod Bowen has pulled out due to a minor injury. There is a suggestion that Rico Lewis from Manchester City might play as a left-back for the first time, due to some problems with the selection in that position. Kieran Trippier has left the team due to personal reasons, and Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are unable to play due to injuries.

As they prepare for the game against North Macedonia, England’s goal is to continue their undefeated streak in 2023. With eight victories and one draw already this year, they are eager to finish the year on a positive note. England dominated their previous match against North Macedonia, winning convincingly with a remarkable 7-0 score at Wembley in June.

In general, Southgate’s main priority is to enhance England’s performance and reach the pinnacle of the FIFA rankings. He desires his players to exhibit determination, reliability, and steer clear of any sense of satisfaction. With their utmost ambition being triumph, England will strive for yet another remarkable win against North Macedonia.