Gareth's going Bati
June 5, 2002
FORGET the birth certificate and ignore the injury record - Gabriel Batistuta is still the deadliest finisher in the world.
The Sun
The 33-year-old Argentinian striker notched his 10th World Cup goal in the 1-0 win over Nigeria on Sunday.
Now Batigol has England in his sights - and we will ignore him at our peril.
Gareth Southgate would love the opportunity to win his 50th England cap marking the legendary Roma striker.
The Middlesbrough defender, 31, warned: "Batistuta still has that killer instinct. I was very impressed with Argentina but he really stood out.
"It was ironic their goal came from a set-piece. They tried that deep corner to the back post four times, so there is an obvious warning for us.
"Batistuta is up there with the world's best. He's very strong and if he gets a chance, he shoots on sight." Southgate admits there is still some bad blood between the sides following their infamous penalty shoot-out in France 98.
He added: "Most of their squad were involved back then and we haven't forgotten how they behaved after they beat us.
"There was a lot of unnecessary gestures and comments from them and we will use that as motivation on Friday.
"I came on as a substitute in St Etienne four years ago and I really want to put things right this time."