Matthew Mott has urged England to "throw the first punch" when they meet India in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup on Thursday.
England have had a turbulent tournament so far. After a slow start that saw a washout against Scotland and a defeat to Australia, Mott's side have shown glimpses of their best.
They bounced back from defeat to South Africa in the Super 8s with a superb 10-wicket victory over co-hosts USA to book their place in the semi-final – a repeat of the one in 2022 against India.
But with England's performances growing stronger throughout the tournament, Mott is hopeful his team can come out on the front foot.
"We haven't quite clicked as a whole unit yet," said Mott.
"Bits and pieces have worked at different times, but our 'A-game' is certainly enough to match with India.
"We've had to play some ugly cricket at times. But from here on in, it's time to be the frontrunners.
"It's time to more or less throw the first punch at India and then try to get our nose in front and never give it back."
In the semi-finals two years ago, England cruised to a 10-wicket victory after India, who only managed to get 168-6 as they were caught within 16 overs.
However, they have enjoyed their World Cup campaign so far, which included an impressive 24-run win over Australia in the Super 8s on Monday.
Mott knows they are in for a different test this time around, but he is sure his team are up to the task.
"We're not looking back at all with this group," he added. "One of its big mantras is staying present.
"They are a different team, too, than when we took them on.
"We've had to fight our way through this tournament, and it's something that's galvanised us as a group and will hold us in really good stead for cut-throat matches."
Gordon challenges England players to take responsibility in Euro 2024 knockouts
England have no more excuses as knockout football awaits at Euro 2024, so says Anthony Gordon, who hopes to feature from the start against Slovakia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate's side have failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations but still topped Group C on five points.
The Three Lions overcame Serbia 1-0 in their opener before disappointing draws followed with Denmark and Slovenia.
Those latter two performances have brought questions over England and Southgate's capabilities, and Gordon acknowledged his side must put in an improved showing in Gelsenkirchen.
"I think as a team we just have to come together, we have to perform when the pressure is high," the England youngster said at Friday's pre-match press conference.
"Now we're into the knockout stages, so there's no more next game, next team. Now we really have to step up and be the team we can be.
"That's on us, we're the ones on the pitch, we're the ones who can make an impact and change things. So I think that as players, you've just got to take responsibility and accountability.
"That's what football is about. That's why you want to be in these games, because the pressure is the highest.
"If you win these games, that's where that feeling is that we chase every day. So I think that's a positive."
Gordon has been limited to short cameos off the bench in England's first three group games, though caught the eyes of Manchester United great Wayne Rooney with his energy down the left flank.
Displacing Phil Foden on that left-hand side remains Gordon's priority, though the Newcastle United winger insists the side comes before self in tournament football among Southgate's squad.
"I think frustration is probably the wrong word," Gordon added when asked about the public outcry for him to feature. "It's more of a want to play and want to perform on a bigger stage.
"That just comes from my self-belief. I feel like I can impact any game in a positive way. A lot of people have used frustration the past week or so about my minutes, but I think that's the wrong word.
"I think six months ago, it would have been crazy because I think the opinion of me compared to now is very different, but I've worked hard to be in this position and that's what I want.
"I want people to be calling for me because, like I said before, that's what I'm doing in training. I'm giving my very best to cause headaches for selection. That's all I can do. The rest is out of my control."
Gordon hit the headlines after suffering a nasty blow to his chin when falling off a bike on England's downtime in Germany.
The 23-year-old, sporting a cut chin and bruised arms, hopes to make light of the situation should the opportunity arise against Slovakia.
"I'll put the stabilisers next to the pitch, maybe and you lot [the media] can take credit for the celebration," the forward joked. "I'll do it though, I will do it, definitely, you've got my word."
England v Slovakia: Southgate refusing to back down as Three Lions aim for last eight
Gareth Southgate is refusing to back down and has no regrets at Euro 2024, as England prepare for their first knockout test against Slovakia on Sunday.
The Three Lions entered the competition in Germany among the pre-tournament favourites, subsequently topping Group C to make it into the round of 16.
Yet their pole position belies the performance levels of their first three games, with drab draws against Denmark and Slovenia following a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia in the opener.
Jude Bellingham scored in that opening victory, while Harry Kane netted in the 1-1 draw with Denmark that preceded a disappointing goalless outing against Slovenia.
With such a depth of attacking talent available, some have questioned Southgate's ability to get the best out of the likes of Bellingham, Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden.
However, the England manager has no doubts over his side, nor any interest in the external noise from critics.
"I won't be backing away from anything," Southgate said. "Whatever the feeling is towards me, you've got to get behind the team, and that's crucial.
"Players have loved playing for England the last six or seven years, we've got to keep that – we have to keep that.
"If we don't, then I understand the feeling towards me, but back the players."
The left-back situation has also been a topical point of discussion, with Kieran Trippier operating as a makeshift full-back while Luke Shaw continues to be unfit.
Southgate said after the Slovenia draw that Shaw, who has not featured for club or country since February, could be available for the "next game".
Selection issues aside, England will be looking to reach the quarter-final stage of consecutive European Championship tournaments for the first time in history.
Standing in their way is a Slovakia side that edged through Group E, progressing on goal difference as Romania, Belgium and Ukraine all finished level on four points.
Slovakia head coach Matjaz Kek is wary of England's quality going into this one, too.
"We are playing against one of the favourites, if not the favourite, for the tournament," Kek said. "We respect England very much. We know their strengths and their individuals.
"The Euros have just started, and I see them as one of the favourites to win the tournament. I don't know why I would question England, be it the individuals or the team in general."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ENGLAND – HARRY KANE
Kane has come under some scrutiny for his ability to lead England's frontline, with questions over his pressing and speed up top.
Yet, the England captain has scored six goals in his last six appearances in the knockout stages of major international tournaments (two in two at the 2022 World Cup, four in four at Euro 2020).
His seven goals in the knockout stages overall are also the most of any Three Lions player, a tally he will hope to add to in Gelsenkirchen.
SLOVAKIA – MILAN SKRINIAR
Milan Skriniar and the Slovakia defence will be tasked with stopping the prolific Kane on Sunday, though the centre-back has impressed in other aspects of the game at Euro 2024.
Only Germany's Toni Kroos (130) played more forward passes in the group stage than Skriniar (92), whose 203 successful passes so far are the most ever by a Slovakian player in a single edition of a major tournament.
MATCH PREDICTION: ENGLAND WIN
It is hard to look past anything other than an England win here, with Southgate's side winning 65% of pre-match simulations in Opta's data-led predictions.
That favourable probability owes to a strong head-to-head record as England have won five of their six games against Slovakia.
However, England's one failure to win this fixture was at Euro 2016 in their only previous major tournament meeting, a goalless draw in Saint-Etienne, where the Three Lions had their most shots (29) in a European Championship match on record (since 1980).
Expect Slovakia to fly out the blocks, too, as they have scored first in three of their six clashes with England, yet they went on to lose each of those games 2-1: in both Euro 2004 qualifiers and a 2018 World Cup qualifier in September 2017.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
England – 65%
Draw – 20.6%
Slovakia – 14.4%
England criticism stems from high expectations, says defiant Gordon
Anthony Gordon acknowledged England must improve to "give people what they want to see" as the winger suggested criticism stems from high expectations.
The Newcastle United forward is yet to start at Euro 2024 but has impressed from the bench, albeit in underwhelming England performances.
Gareth Southgate's side topped Group C to set up a last-16 meeting with Slovakia on Sunday, though draws against Denmark and Slovenia, and an unconvincing win against Serbia has added scrutiny.
An honest appraisal from Gorden suggests England are well aware of their shortfalls so far, though the 23-year-old expects his team to respond in Gelsenkirchen.
"I don't really care about stuff like that, I actually think of it in a positive way," Gordon said at Friday's pre-match press conference.
"If people are being negative it's only because they expect a lot from you, which is a positive thing.
"If we want that to stop, we just need to perform and give people what they want to see."
Some sections of the travelling England support jeered Southgate at full-time after the goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday, though Gordon again came away with credibility.
Manchester United and Three Lions great Wayne Rooney insisted Gordon should be brought into the starting XI for the last-16 clash after some fine cameos from the substitutes bench.
His form for Newcastle has caught the eye as well, with the former Everton man managing 12 goals and 11 assists in 48 games across all competitions this season.
Yet Gordon says he is not the type of player to go knocking on Southgate's door to demand more minutes.
"I just like to try my best and control the controllable," Gordon said.
"I think if I train to the very best of my ability, do the best I can every day, that's my way of giving him a headache in terms of selection, and the rest I can't control.
"Try my best and make selection as hard for him as I possibly can. When or if I'm needed, I'll be more than ready."
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