Southgate rules out complacency
The England manager has said that his side will be highly motivated for Euro 202 qualifying, in spite of avoiding some big names in the draw.
In spite of failing to draw any fellow big hitters in the Euro 2020 qualifying group phase draw, Gareth Southgate has insisted that his side will not be complacent, and will be highly motivated to do well.
2014 World champions Germany were in Pot 2 for the draw, after their poor Nation's League campaign, but England were fortunate to avoid being drawn alongside them.
Instead, that task went to the Netherlands, who will join 'Die Mannschaft' in Group C.
Meanwhile, England, who were the first team to be drawn out of the hat, are in qualifying Group A, with Bulgaria, Montenegro, Kosovo and the Czech Republic.
After the draw, Southgate told the media: "We have avoided some big teams, so we have to make sure our preparation for these sort of games is spot on. When you play some of the lesser-known countries, motivation for them to play against England is massive."
He continued: "Especially the games away from home, there can be very intense atmospheres, but we are in a good moment as a team and we want to keep that momentum going."
Having reached the World Cup semi-finals in the summer, as well as qualifying for the Nations League finals next summer, England will be expected to qualify comfortably.
And, even if they fail to win through, their Nations League performance ensures them a guaranteed play-off place if needed.
When asked about the danger of complacency, England boss Gareth Southgate said: ""It is not something we have seen from this group of players in the time I have worked with them. We have a chance to host matches at Wembley, so the motivation is high and that should make sure complacency is not part of the equation."
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Euros, the tournament is to be played across 12 different host cities, with the semi finals and final to be played at Wembley.
Southgate added: "It is a one-off, so it is going to be complicated in terms of the logistics, but the brilliant thing is the incentive for us is so big, because we get those games at Wembley. That is a rare opportunity for any player, to play in a major championship at home, so the potential for an exciting 18 months is ahead of us."