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England hero Paul Gascoigne urges Gareth Southgate to deliver World Cup glory
PAUL GASCOIGNE has delivered his message of support to England manager Gareth Southgate and his squad ahead of their World Cup semi-final.
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England take on Croatia in the last-four clash on Wednesday evening (7pm).
It is the first time the Three Lions have reached the semi-final of the World Cup since 1990.
Gascoigne infamously played in the loss to West Germany and was booked, meaning he would have missed the final due to suspension if England got there.
And the 57-time capped former midfielder claims the tournament was the best time in his life.
“The reason I cried was it was the best six weeks I’ve ever had in my life,” Gascoigne told Sky Sports News.
I don’t know what you’re saying in the dressing room to the players, but whatever you’re saying, it’s working
“Playing football, being with my mates, waking up every morning training and playing football.”
Gascoigne has told the England squad they must support each other on the pitch for the remainder of the tournament.
“All the England players have got to do is watch each other’s back,” he added.
“Every one of them has got to be a captain on the field.”
England have survived two knockout games after finishing second in Group G this summer.
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The Three Lions beat Colombia on penalties after a nervy 1-1 draw last week, before the more straightforward 2-0 triumph over Sweden on Saturday.
Thousands of England fans are flocking to Moscow ahead of the semi-final showdown against a Croatia side that have been taken to penalties in each of their two knockout games.
And Gascoigne he sent a message to his former team-mate Gareth Southgate, telling him simply: keep doing what you are doing.
“Gareth, good luck. Stick to what you’re doing, I’m behind you,” he concluded.
“I don’t know what you’re saying in the dressing room to the players, but whatever you’re saying, it’s working.”