We have so much to be proud of: Southgate

Gareth Southgate. Pic/AFP

Behind the unassuming coach on the touchline, Gareth Southgate grasps the privilege of a status never sought and the leadership qualities now so admired in England.

Holding what used to be called the "Impossible Job", Southgate is motivated - not burdened - by the responsibility on Sunday of leading England into its first major soccer final in 55 years against Italy.

And without losing perspective, he senses just what winning a first trophy since the 1966 World Cup would mean. "We have so many things here that we should be proud of that we probably underestimate that," Southgate said on Friday.

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"We are always looking at the negatives of our own country and yet we have got so much to be proud of and so much talent coming through in all industries really."

Playing in a European Championship final on Sunday at England's home stadium is a chance for Southgate to talk up just what being British means to him.

"For an island our size we've got an incredible influence on the world and we've got to keep that in a positive way," he said.

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