Victory for England would put them five points clear of their closest rivals with just two games to go. Defeat, on the other hand, would give Slovakia the lead in Group F and take automatic qualification for Russia out of England’s hands.
However, after the boo-boys struck during the 4-0 win in Malta on Friday, Southgate is concerned about the effects of a huge Wembley crowd.
“The notion the players aren’t proud to play is outrageous really,” the England manager said. “I don’t see how it can be helpful for the team.
“Maybe we had bad days when I was playing and the easiest, basest reaction is to say, ‘They don’t care’. More often than not, though, players have cared too much and have not been able to give their best for that reason.
“Having worn the shirt, that’s where I think I can bring some context to it. It’s not about ‘not caring’.
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“We have to just get on and perform as we did and play through it. What I hope is the fans really get behind us.
“There’s nothing better than playing in your own stadium and feeling the fans are a huge advantage for you and intimidating the opposition. That’s what supporting is all about.”
Slovakia, like Malta, will set out to thwart England at every turn and Southgate pleaded for patience if his highly-paid players don’t provide entertainment as well points.
“The wages are difficult for anybody to relate to,” he said. “Having started on £28 a week, it’s slightly strange for me as well.
“I guess for actors and musicians it’s different. They can just go and play, and if they mess it up they are probably not one of the best. But not too many musicians go on stage and are stopped by an opponent.
“By the same token, not many of their crowds turn to them and say, ‘We play your bloody wages, hurry up!’ It’s a different dynamic.
“I get it, though, and that is why we love the game. But would we rather the fans are with us? Absolutely.”
All 26 remaining in the squad trained at Tottenham’s complex near Enfield yesterday and Southgate hinted that just their willingness to put themselves in the firing line was evidence that the team’s pride is intact.
“All of them give everything they have,” he insisted.
“They want to be here. The easiest thing in the world would be to pull out, but we picked 28 players and 28 turned up. That’s a really good sign, and it hasn’t always been the case.
“I’ve played in teams where people were there every time, and others weren’t. It’s not important who they are but yeah, people ducked it. Absolutely. That’s why some people get 70 caps and others, who may be good players, don’t.
“It’s just a shame the guys who come on international duty get stick, while he guys who duck out, escape. My players are determined to go out and win tonight.”