FORMER Southend United boss Chris Powell is relishing his role in England’s World Cup campaign – just three years after leaving the Shrimpers.

Powell was sacked by Blues back in March 2019.

But he bounced back superbly to become part of Gareth Southgate’s backroom team in Qatar.

And Powell told Echosport it has shown what is possible if you keep working hard.

“Football presents its own unique challenges and sometimes you find yourself in positions and places you think were a million miles away,” said Powell.

“But if you’re someone who loves what they do and wants to progress and work hard I always feel like you will get your rewards somewhere down the line.

“I’ve been in the game a long time and I know how quickly things can change.

“Sometimes in life you have to accept what’s happening to you but not lose your belief in who you are and what challenges you can overcome.

“Did I think I would be at the World Cup? No but I put myself in the position where you became a candidate and you have to show people you’re the right person for the role.

“I was only meant to do it for a year once I had been interviewed and got the role but I’ve been here three years now in a part-time capacity.

“It’s an absolute honour.”

Powell is assistant head coach with the Three Lions, who take on Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.

And he is relishing every second of the role “It’s been a brilliant experience so far,” said Powell, 53.

“We’ve navigated the group stage well.

“Even though there was a little bit of noise around the America game we’re still undefeated with seven points and that’s stage one done.

“I believe we’ve scored the most goals so far too and now it’s all about the knock out stage.

“We had a great result and performance, especially in the second half, against Wales and now we’ve got to regroup and refocus on Sunday’s match with Senegal which will present its own different challenges.

“But they’re not ones we can’t overcome and I’m sure we will be ready as we always are.”

Powell has been helping the squad to prepare for Sunday’s encounter.

And he is doing all he can to ensure England stay in the competition for as long as possible.

“Yesterday was a day off for the players but for the staff we’ve watched Senegal,” said Powell.

“We also had a report from one of the coaches who has been following potential opponents and we already have things in place with how they play.”

England will be looking to set up a quarter final clash with either France or Poland and the team are starting to feel the level of support from back home.

“Even in Qatar you can feel how it’s beginning to build back in England,” said Powell.

“The country always gets behind the national team when it comes to tournament football and we will be doing our best to stay out here for another 17 days.”

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