SAMARA, July 6 -- England coach Gareth Southgate wants his players to carry on their learning experience when they take on Sweden in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Saturday.
England's win on penalties against Colombia on Tuesday has given England the chance to qualify for the semifinals of the competition for the first time since 1990, but Southgate told the press in his pre-game conference there is still work to do.
"We are one of the youngest teams here, but we are an improving side and want to make history," commented Southgate, who listed his side's achievements in reaching the last 8
"We have got our first knockout win in 12 years and had the first Wold Cup (penalty) shootout win (against Colombia), and we want to go on making history," he said.
Southgate said his players were not getting carried away by their success and looking too far ahead, saying there was "nothing" in mind, "other than tomorrow's game."
"You are never as good as people say you are when things are going well, and never as poor as they say when things are going badly. We are an emerging side, an evolving side: a long way from perfect," he said.
The England coach was expecting a difficult game against a Swedish side which has shown it has one of the best defenses in the tournament.
"They are a very strong team; I've been in matches against Sweden (as a player) and they always have a strong identity, they have better players than people give them credit for and this team is no different. You only have to look at their results," he said, highlighting Sweden's organization.
"We know the challenge we face in trying to create chances. I think we will have more of the ball tomorrow, but Sweden have shown they can have 30 percent possession and still win games," warned Southgate.