Southgate showed me how to be smiles better

LAUGHS AND INSIDE JOKES BRING CUP TEAM TOGETHER

- Neil McLeman

ANNE KEOTHAVONG has been inspired by Gareth Southgate to promote a positive atmosphere in her Billie Jean King Cup squad after admitting she regrets getting angry with a former team-mate when she played for Great Britain.

Playing spikeball, inside jokes and lots of laughs have helped the 2024 squad through to a winnable semi-final against Slovakia today, according to Emma Raducanu.

The former US Open champion is combining brilliantly with British No. 1 Katie Boulter on and off the court, with GB yet to drop a set.

Raducanu said: "She's such a friendly girl." It is different from much of Keothavong's playing career, during which she had a fierce rivalry with the late Elena Baltacha, who later became a close friend, as Britain's top two players.

That caused tension for the national team, as was the case between players from Manchester United and Liverpool in past England football squads.