Gareth Southgate insisted that all of his England players were on-board with his decision to make eight changes for tonight's 1-0 defeat to Belgium, as his "primary objective" was not to win the game but to give everyone a chance to play.
England will now face Colombia rather than Japan in the last-16, but Southgate explained in his post-match press conference that he had decided not to invest everything in trying to win the game.
"Our primary objective today was a mid-term one: we got everyone time on the pitch," he said. "They are ready to start or come into a match having played, those who have played have been protected, and we have everyone to select from going into the knockout.
"You have to look at the bigger picture sometimes and make decisions which, in some quarters, might be criticised. But everyone understands – in the dressing room and in the group – what we’re trying to do.”
Harry Kane was rested this evening and did not get on, which could cost him in the race for the Golden Boot later this tournament. Only Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Ruben Loftus-Cheek kept their places from the team that beat Panama 6-1. But Southgate said he had no regrets.
"When you’re a leader and a manager, you have to make decisions which are right for your group and the primary objective," Southgate said. "Sometimes those decisions will be criticised. I understand that. Only one person has to make that decision with all the full facts, and managing a tournament in mind."
"Physically, medically, tactically for the benefit of the group, we have 20 outfield players who have played in the World Cup. That’s extremely beneficial for the feeling in our camp. I’m entirely comfortable with the decision. Sometimes you have to make decisions for the bigger picture. That’s what I did tonight."
