Gareth Southgate says England must improve after ‘brilliant adventure’

• ‘Against the very best teams, we’ve come up short’
• England manager: ‘We don’t kid ourselves at all’

Gareth Southgate has vowed to use England’s heartening performances at the World Cup as a springboard to success after seeing his side beaten by Belgium to finish fourth and emulate their best finish on foreign soil.

The manager did not deviate from his script preaching realism after his side exceeded expectations through the tournament and stretched a fine Belgium team, particularly in the second half. Goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard eventually secured Roberto Martínez’s side their best ever finish at the finals, though Southgate can spy a bright future for his young side.

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