Rio Ferdinand has lauded England's progress since the last World Cup saying that the current generation of players are 'professionals'. Ferdinand believes their 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Russia, was the start of England's rise under Southgate. Gareth Southgate's squad are set to take part in their second semi-final in three yearsRio Ferdinand hailed England's progress under Southgate and the way they are able to adapt'It all comes from Croatia in 2018. 'I think our squad at the time had more world class players but this team have a much better squad. 'Players that can come in and change games, there's not a drop off from the quality of players around them.'

Source: Daily Mail July 06, 2021 19:35 UTC