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    Soccer News: England will stand up to the challenge of hostile crowds in Poland, Southgate says

    Gareth Southgate insists England will be prepared for another hostile atmosphere when she travels to Warsaw to face Poland.

    England have enjoyed a profitable international stop so far, beating Hungary and Andorra by an aggregate score of 8-0 to claim five wins from five games.

    On Thursday in Budapest, England players were subjected to racist abuse by the crowd, Raheem Sterling was the main target as he celebrated his opening.

    Southgate are expecting a tough test on Wednesday, with five of their last seven Polish games ending in a draw between these two sides.

    “We have to face the match as we did the other night,” said the England manager.

    “We know that keeping possession of the ball can be an important factor in managing these situations.

    “But the flow of the game will be different and we are playing at an opponent level that I think is at a better time.

    “They have won the last two games and have good players on the team who will hold the ball a little better than Hungary was able to do against us.

    “Then there is a balance between non-inflamed situations and giving the home crowd something to live by and be more behind the team.

    “This is balance and experience. I’m sure our players will get away with it without any problems. “

    Poland have failed to beat the Three Lions in their last 17 attempts and Southgate appreciates that the guests can take control of their World Cup qualifying destiny.

    “It is a great opportunity for us, we can take a really positive step towards the World Cup if we win in Warsaw,” he continued.

    “There is a high level of motivation, but we are also protecting ourselves from any feeling of being better than we are.

    “The team is playing well and we have a squad, each of which is more than comfortable entering the pitch and playing well when joining the team.

    “But those moments can be dangerous if we feel a sense of complacency, so we will enter a game where we can be truly challenged.”

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