Ashley Young believes England have given themselves an excellent opportunity to win the World Cup ahead of their crunch semi-final with Croatia.
The Manchester United man is the oldest in the current Three Lions squad, and he celebrated his 33rd birthday on Monday by speaking to the media at a press conference in Repino.
When asked about his country's shot at winning the World Cup, he said: 'I think we have got a great chance.
'We have put ourselves in a great position to go on and win it. I said before the start of the tournament, "we're not going out there not to win the World Cup".'
Young feels the team's relatively low-key celebrations after Saturday's quarter-final defeat of Sweden was perhaps an indicator of the growing confidence within the squad.
He said: 'We haven't won anything yet. There is no point in celebrating. Obviously it was nice to get the victory and the celebrations were muted just because we know there are still big games to come. We know there is a lot to play for.'
Young is aware of the threat posed by Croatia.
He said: 'Croatia are a very good team. They are not in the semi-final for no reason. We have got to be prepared for them.
'Luka Modric is a fantastic player but they have players around the squad who are going to be difficult opponents.'
England had not reached the last four since 1990 and have not played in the final since they won the competition in 1966.
Young insists that history is not a burden. He said: 'We are concentrating on what's going on now. Not what's happened in the past. We're looking forward to the future.'
Strong team spirit has been key to England's success and Young puts that down to the work of Southgate and his staff in creating a good atmosphere off the field.
He said: 'A lot has been said of being bored but it's not felt like that. It's felt like a good holiday and we are enjoying every moment. There is no boredom.
'Everyone gets on well and if you've got that spirit off the pitch you take it onto the pitch.'
Charlesugwu
0
Beat Croatia First before dreaming
Yuyaimoryz
0
Happy birthday [Poo]🕊🕊
SmithM
0
so England think croatia is the last step. brothers dont talk too much because you gonna meet a collection of talents if you pass this step.
jaineelbhatt
3
Yes its coming home
cancklopuz
1
I am giving England a chance
caybdru
0
United
Hiuacity
0
Is because of they are doing it then they most talk and you shot up your mouth digger
BAPPSPAULO
1
England players are talking too much
Al-StevenKhedira
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Hop u get beat, u talk too much
zibbeinpry
1
Happy birthday... Young... United all the way***
Aleem1
1
Llnp, age with grace senior
macha
0
Sooo many man united players in this England squad, makes sense now why we are doing so good. Only one Liverpool player.
and how many Tottenham players
obikingx
1
age with grace bro
el-paci
0
The guy is so underrated it is ridiculous. Can get past a man, put in a great ball, his link up play is brilliant and he can score consistently when given a chance. I follow Utd but he has been another flair player wasted by them.
You're very stupid for saying that, if not for Mou's transformation of him.. do you think he'll make the Russian squad? just shut up and read the news if you've got nothing to say
Morganfreeman
1
He¿s been one of our best and most consistent players. Not a big fan of his diving at ManU, but he has turned up in Russia unlike his short friend from Citeh.
ukrainec
0
He has been matured and composed. All credit to him for turning it around and forcing his way into the squad then forcing his way into the the starting 11
pinkmans
0
The guy is so underrated it is ridiculous. Can get past a man, put in a great ball, his link up play is brilliant and he can score consistently when given a chance. I follow Utd but he has been another flair player wasted by them.
ballstar
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Even as a city fan, youve got to support even the united and liverpool players haha, ashley young, and somebody i berate alot, jordan henderson, have had a great world cup. Aswell as stones and maguire, im actually starting to believe, just a little bit.
Sedoso
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Sooo many man united players in this England squad, makes sense now why we are doing so good. Only one Liverpool player.
ballstarsee
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Underrated by fellow United fans hanging onto hope Luke Shaw is better than him just because he's younger, Young has more assists this season than Shaw has in his whole career
yummybe
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Ashley keeps shutting the doubters mouths. Well done.
satisfied
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Football nowadays is so demanding, at some point you have to change positions just to be in first eleven. Young, Lahm, Delph, Carrick. All these are few of examples needed to be looked after by youngsters. They adapted and changed. Not dubbing and celebrating when nothing has been won yet.
easyde
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Football nowadays is so demanding, at some point you have to change positions just to be in first eleven. Young, Lahm, Delph, Carrick. All these are few of examples needed to be looked after by youngsters. They adapted and changed. Not dubbing and celebrating when nothing has been won yet.
Lidroid
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Southgate has use Young brilliantly at left-back to negate the inverted winger that like to cut to the left and shoot. Young also provide a different angle of the ball coming into the box (curling toward goal) while Tripper provide balls that curls away from the goal. It make the GK and defenders think. The only problem with England is: Walker has not provided the crosses from deep (like Azpi and Morata). If Walker can provide crosses from deeper similar to Azpi, Kane, Lingard, and Sterling and Ali will have a great day against Croatia.
Ludicrous
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Not everyones cup of team..took me a while to acceot him at OT..but you can guarantee that he wont leave nothing on the pitch come Wed night..always puts a shift in...Just waiting for him to cut in and curl one of his famous right foots...Wed should be a good time...
educate
0
Great athelte and top professional, Turned his career around by converting to a left wing back, I think him being right footed really great gives us a different dimension from that wing
Samuleley
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Ex Liverpool player can't help missing one on ones as well
oddments
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He's been excellent. Loads of experience, hard working and has a great delivery
Mishan007
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England are just lucky to reach even semis !! 😏😏
Elsa98
3
Please come back home..
Decekr
0
positive
Pasidon2730
0
Best example of aging well. No coincidence with the name👍🏾. Does not look 33..
Hikeipstuz
1
Auwal Ibrahim from
hi
Hikeipstuz
0
Auwal Ibrahim from