Jun 2, 2018 at 5.15pm UK at ​Wembley Stadium
Attendance: 70,025
England
2-1
Nigeria
Cahill (7'), Kane (39')
Sterling (53')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Iwobi (47')
Musa (77')

Gareth Southgate pleased with England first-half display in win over Nigeria

Southgate pleased with England display
© Reuters
Gareth Southgate believes that England's first-half display in their 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria was impressive but acknowledges that the second half was more of a struggle.

Gareth Southgate has praised England's impressive first-half performance in their 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill opened the scoring with a powerful header after only seven minutes at Wembley Stadium before Harry Kane doubled the hosts' lead just before the break.

The Three Lions were a little slower after the restart as Arsenal's Alex Iwobi halved the deficit on 47 minutes, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser come the final whistle.

"I thought it was an exciting game," Southgate told BBC Sport.

"I was really pleased with the first half. We used the ball well and we were a threat. I liked the interchange of movement and passing between our front four. We were then able to win the ball back with our pressing.

"Second half we were slow to start and it took us a little while to adjust to them changing shape. What it created was a great atmosphere behind our goal for us to defend properly and manage the game which was important."

England's World Cup preparations continue with another friendly against Costa Rica at Elland Road on Thursday.

Share this article now:
England manager Gareth Southgate watches on during the international friendly against Netherlands on March 23, 2018
Read Next:
Former Spurs striker Mido mocks England
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!
Tables

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account