Coady, Chilwell, Johnstone, Ramsdale and White have been hailed by staff for their contribution despite not playing
As Gareth Southgate acknowledged in his live interview with Gary Lineker not long after the final whistle, England’s victory over Ukraine in Rome last Saturday provoked a “strange feeling”. It was not only because his side had eased through to a second semi-final in succession at a major tournament with a thumping 4-0 win.
“I’m actually just thinking at this moment of the lads we didn’t get on the pitch,” said England’s manager. “Because the likes of Conor Coady, Ben Chilwell, Sam Johnstone, Aaron Ramsdale – they are the ones that are making this team successful because the spirit of the group is phenomenal.
