Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has heaped praise on England’s squad, calling them the “most technically gifted for generations.”
Belgium will be facing England on Thursday in a game that will decide the winners of Group G, and Martinez believes Gareth Southgate‘s team has evolved into an improved version of themselves.
“I think it’s been a huge evolution,” said Martinez. “When I started in the Premier League in 2009, it was a real contrast in styles in the league.
“But I think the English players have developed an incredible awareness from a tactical point of view.
“That’s been the biggest difference in the last five or six years, having St George’s Park, having a real structure in the way England teams play.
“You’ve seen the success with the Under-17 teams and the Under-20s, and the way there is a winning culture.
“Probably I would say in the last six years the English players have now got that intensity and real pace, but with a real tactical awareness, that is brought about by the way teams are playing in the Premier League.”
The 44-year old believes playing in the Premier League has helped his own players as well, to develop while taking their game to the next level.
“There’s an intensity in the English game,” said Martinez.
“There are many leagues around the world that play at a tempo that the ball dictates. When you have the ball, you can play in possession. When you are out of possession, you can play in your defensive structure.
“I think the entertaining factor with the Premier League is what happens as soon as you lose the ball and as soon as you regain possession. The transition game is something unique in the British game.
“We knew how technically gifted our players were, but having to work under those high intensity ways of playing made our players think quicker, make stronger decisions and be sharper technically. I think our players have evolved because of that intensity in their play.”
