England recapture magic through two rising stars

Renewed hope after Bellingham and Saka cement their status

- RICHARD JOLLY SENIOR FOOTBALL WRITER

When Gareth Southgate walked into the Wembley dressing room after England’s win over Ukraine, part of his message was more emotional than tactical. I said to the players: I love being part of this team.' Because they are exceptional to work with," he explained.

It was the more remarkable because Southgate could have relinquished his part in the team. In his previous match at Wembley, England went 2-0 down to Germany. An awful Nations League campaign was prompting Southgate to walk away after the World Cup. Instead, they fought back to draw 3-3 with their old rivals, were one of the better teams in Qatar and have made a terrific start to Euro 2024 qualifying. A fourth tournament cycle under Southgate seems certain to bring a fourth tournament.

England have regained the upbeat feel they lost in the troubled summer of 2022. Part of Southgate's success has been in restoring the bond between players and supporters, in engendering a team spirit where previous England sides had been riven by factions or less than the sum of their parts. He enjoyed the grit they demonstrated to hang on to victory in Italy. "Although we weren't satisfied with the second-half performance, the resilience shown when we battled with 10 men, I think the public will respond to that," he said.