Gareth Southgate takes inspiration from England’s risk-taking cricket team

Gareth Southgate has revealed that the England cricket team is the source of inspiration for his side’s drive to Euro 2024 glory.

The England football team have taken another major step towards qualifying for next year’s European Championships with a sweeping 4-0 win here in Malta.

And on the first day of the Ashes – Southgate has revealed he has held talks with England Cricket’s managing director Rob Key as he plots the football team’s first trophy since 1966.

“I haven’t spoken to Brendan [McCullum] (England cricket head coach), but I’ve had a few meetings with Rob Key,” said Southgate.

‘I’m a huge cricket fan and something that’s hugely exciting to watch right now. Their mentality (of taking risks) has been important, but they also have world class players.

“There has definitely been a shift in how they play. We’re also evolving as a team – it depends what you’re looking at in terms of style of play.

“Whenever we’ve done cross-sport stuff, you’re always aware of the bits you can pick and what can be unique to a different sport.

“Ultimately you look at what will help you win. They have an alignment with the captain and coach, which I think is very important. They are all on the same wavelength, which is absolutely crucial in any sport.”

“They are judged on one Ashes series like we do during a European Championship or World Cup.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold – wearing the number 10 shirt – was outstanding in a midfield role in the victory over Malta.

And Southgate has indicated he could continue to play the Liverpool defender further forward, adding: “I don’t have any questions in my mind if he can do it, it’s learning certain nuances of the role, especially without the ball, but he really wants to do it, he enjoyed the project.

“We talked about it on the phone four weeks ago and he’s excited about it and he’s shown exactly what he’s capable of and he’s giving us something different to our other midfielders.”