Southgate ‘desperate’ to take England to Russia World Cup despite tensions

• England manager preparing as normal for tournament
• Uncapped Pope, Tarkowski, Mawson and Cook called up

Gareth Southgate has said he remains fully focused on preparing England for the World Cup despite the political tensions between the UK and the tournament hosts Russia.

“Clearly it’s a really serious matter and it’s developing very quickly,” he said. “But my job as the England football manager is to concentrate on the football and prepare the team.

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