England hope to restore reputation

LONDON: England will hope to erase the lingering stain of Sam Allardyce’s embarrassing exit when interim manager Gareth Southgate takes charge for the first time

LONDON: England will hope to erase the lingering stain of Sam Allardyce’s embarrassing exit when interim manager Gareth Southgate takes charge for the first time in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Malta. Just 12 days after Allardyce was forced to quit in disgrace following his indiscreet and offensive comments to undercover newspaper reporters, Southgate and his players desperately need to deliver a positive performance to restore some lustre to the English game’s tarnished reputation. Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker admits finding a way to break that psychological barrier remains the key to future success at major tournaments. “I think the quality in the dressing room is frightening,” Walker said.

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