Southgate just might channel Churchill to inspire young squad

MOSCOW - It's time for Gareth Southgate to come up with a big speech of his own.

After England gave up a tying goal to Brazil in first-half stoppage time in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals, Southgate felt coach Sven-Goran Eriksson lacked oratorial inspiration in the dressing room at halftime.

Now 47-year-old former England international Southgate is leading the team, which plays Croatia on Wednesday (Thursday, Beijing time) in England's first World Cup semifinal in 28 years. The match is riveting the Land of Hope and Glory, which won its only title at home in 1966.