Danny Rose focused on England spot after brave depression revelation, says Gareth Southgate

Focused: Danny Rose played the entire game as England beat Costa Rica 2-0
REUTERS

Gareth Southgate has hailed the bravery shown by Danny Rose after the England full-back revealed he had struggled with depression over the past season.

Having suffered a long-term injury, limited playing time and personal problems, Rose called England his salvation as he battles for his place in the starting line up for the World Cup in Russia.

The former Leeds youngster started and impressed in England's 2-0 friendly victory against Costa Rica at Elland Road, the final warm-up game before the tournament this summer.

Southgate has a choice between Rose and Ashley Young to come, but for now he is fully supportive of the 27-year-old and says focus is now on his football.

England focus: Southgate says Rose wants to put depression battle behind him
Getty Images

“Firstly, incredibly brave and honest and as a team we are hugely supportive of what he’s done. I think it has been a relief for him to speak about it, having spoken to him today.

“Most importantly from his point of view he wants to put it behind him, it is something he feels like he’s come through.

“He was really keen that the focus turns to his football so it was brilliant for him that he had a game, coming back to Leeds was special for him, and the first half in particular was as well as I’ve seen him play for a long time.

“We know his quality, the big challenge for Danny is that he has had a lack of match minutes this season but in this period he is starting to get that and that is brilliant for all of us.”

In Pictures | England vs Costa Rica | 07/06/2018

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England travel to their base for the tournament, Repino, on June 12 before beginning their campaign against Tunisia on June 18.

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