As Harry Kane's penalty sailed over the bar in Al Khor, the wild hopes and dreams of a nation went with it. England had been brilliant. They had gone at the world champions, France, with aggression and pace. Elite sport is all about fine margins. Unfortunately, England lost out on those margins. The final whistle blew and England fans were greeted with familiar scenes of players falling to the floor, heads in hands, tears flowing. This time, however, there was not the outpouring of anger so often associated with England exits at tournaments. Both pride and disappointment seemed to be the most prevalent emotions amongst the England faithful. It is odd, especially in England, that a loss could be greeted with support and pride. England played very well, but ultimately this was an opportunity lost. The hard work undertaken by England manager Gareth Southgate, his team and this playing group is the reason the emotion is different this time. Since Southgate's appointment in 2016, the national side have undergone a complete image change, on and off the pitch.
This World Cup has been a defining tournament for Southgate. The ill-feeling he has often endured as England boss seems to have been tempered by the performances across England's five matches. Of course, many still call for his head. This is an incredibly talented squad of players. For many fans, losing a quarter final with this group simply is not good enough. Many long for a manager with an extensive and glowing club football CV, which Gareth Southgate does not possess. However, his CV with England at tournaments is the most successful of all England managers, bar Sir Alf Ramsey, who achieved footballing immortality in 1996. Southgate is contracted until the end of the 2024 European Championships, but his position is currently unclear. Southgate's post-match comments suggest he is undecided on the subject of his future, saying he is "conflicted" on his role. England and the FA may soon find themselves at a crossroads. Personally, I would like Gareth Southgate to stay in the role. I believe on and off the pitch, he has massively progressed this side. The quality of the players is undeniable, but Southgate's own credentials as an international manager have shone through several times as England boss.
The quarter final
It would be remiss to dive headfirst into this without quickly dissecting the quarter final. England were very good, but came up short.
In terms of setup, Southgate got this game largely spot on. Kyle Walker did a fantastic job marking Kylian Mbappe. This was a necessity of the match, but did cost England slightly. Walker was pre-occupied with Mbappe from minute one to 90. However, this meant that Jordan Henderson had to pick up his attacking slack on the right hand side. Wonderful player as Henderson can be, those wide areas are not quite his forte and he was slightly limited when he picked up the ball there. Bukayo Saka was running rings around Theo Hernandez, but sometimes lacked support in that right hand area. This was an inevitably when it came to facing Mbappe - and I certainly preferred lacking something on the right wing to Mbappe bearing down on a more exposed defence. In midfield, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham were meteoric. Brave on the ball and quick to close down their opposite men, the two look to be a partnership which England can develop for years to come. The star man was, of course, Bukayo Saka. This felt like a coming of age performance from Saka. The French defence simply could not control him, resorting to hacking him down as he danced around them. Arsenal fans will be incredibly excited for the Premier League to restart with the young man in such dazzling form.
There were several snapshot moments which defined this loss. The referee and VAR team contributed to several, particularly France's opening goal. There was a foul on Saka in the build up, that is a fact. This call was not the reason England lost, as anything else could have panned out in the game. However, it is tough to take when VAR officials have gone far back through attacking moves to rule out goals for infringements. Further, the tackle on Kane which was ruled to not be a penalty from a VAR check. The challenge was outside the box, but it was clearly a free kick. Away from the officials, Harry Maguire's miss was a huge moment. Agonisingly close, everyone in England was willing that ball to creep inside the post to no avail. Olivier Giroud's goal was vintage Olivier Giroud. Harry Maguire lost his man, but the gunman that is Giroud buried the ball without a second thought. There is a reason he is France's all time top goal scorer - he is built for international football.
The substitutions have garnered the most criticism, and understandably. Mason Mount's introduction drew questions, but his relentless running game was always essential for chasing this game. He won the penalty by being a nuisance and forcing the defender into a brainless challenge. However, after Mount, the substitutions were misguided. Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish were both introduced far too late, particularly Rashford who was in fine form coming into this game. Running at tired legs is Marcus Rashford all over. I also do not understand the Raheem Sterling substitution. He has experience and an immense record for England, but after little preparation time and a disrupted week, Sterling was probably not the best option. He looked out of sorts for his brief cameo.
Harry Kane's secondly penalty, sadly, is the key talking point. Kane did not look comfortable before taking this penalty. He took a long time over it, adjusting his socks a couple of times before stepping up. Perhaps he was on edge as he had already taken a penalty in the match. Perhaps facing club long time club teammate Hugo Lloris put him off. Or maybe the pressure of equalising for England in a World Cup quarter final was too much. You would always back Kane to bury that penalty. Unfortunately for England, this time it was not to be.
Now, onto Gareth Southgate.
On the pitch
Southgate's record as England manager is impressive. He has the fourth highest win rate of any England manager, at 60.49%. His record of winning six knockout games at tournaments is equal to that of the previous 48 years. He has won 11 games at tournaments, which sees him top of the pile of all England managers. He has overseen England's largest World Cup win and largest European Championship win, as well as England's largest win in a competitive match, with the 10-0 drubbing of San Marino. His 22 game unbeaten streak from November 2020 to March 2022 is the longest of any England manager. He also oversaw England's first ever World Cup penalty shootout win in 2018, with a 4-3 shootout victory over Colombia.
It has not all been positive. England's heaviest competitive defeat was the infamous 4-0 loss to Hungary earlier this year, which Southgate even cited post-quarter final as something which contributed to his mental struggles during the last nine months as England boss. The classic criticism levelled at Southgate is that in tournaments, when faced with "quality" opposition, England have faltered. Germany, who, granted, are in a difficult place, were brushed aside at Euro 2020. The Italian side who England met in the final were one of nous and experience, something the Three Lions lacked. The 2018 World Cup had a favourable run to the semi final, but a vastly more experienced Croatia side edged England out over the course of 120 minutes. Again, in Qatar, France beat England in a tight affair. This is clearly an issue to be addressed. As this young side builds more experience, these games become more winnable.
This tournament was England's most positive under Southgate in terms of playing style. Before this tournament, it was a back three/five or nothing for Southgate. Pragmatism, and often negativity, were the name of the game. However, now he really trusts the group more than any ever before. A back four against the reigning world champions would previously have never been expected pre-tournament. It is clear he still has favourites, or rather, those he trusts more than others. But all managers do. He trusts his technical players now more than previously. The pragmatism is not gone, but despite some early squawking against his decisions, he was largely proven right over the tournament. Jordan Henderson showed why he is so important to Jurgen Klopp and Southgate by putting in brilliant performances against Wales, Senegal and France. Harry Maguire was hardly awe-inspiring, but he performed well, putting in a strong performance against the USA. The shackles seem to be off for Southgate now. It would be a shame for the hard work to be left incomplete.
In the dressing room
In the past, England players have arrived at and left camps miserable. They have dreaded going, disliked being there and been relieved to have returned to their clubs. However, all the noises from this group are positive. They seem genuinely excited to go on England duty and enjoy it while they are there. This group have gelled very well with each other and Southgate himself. Since the quarter final loss, several players have come out in support of Gareth Southgate. He is clearly very important to these players, both as a boss and coach, but also as a mentor.
Of course, if Southgate goes, the vast majority of this squad will not change. The dynamics, though, would undoubtedly change. Keeping this tight knit squad as just that is essential going forward, particularly when the expectation on England continues to grow.
Away from the game
The England manager’s job is political as well as football, and Southgate has consistently met that challenge head on. He handles himself and his squad with grace, patience and decorum. He is a brilliant advert and ambassador for English sport. When asked about social issues, political turmoil and fan behaviour, Southgate is always open and honest. We live in times of division and discord. Having a calm captain at the helm of the ship is a huge positive. He protects his players whilst staying strong to his principles. Southgate has united a fanbase behind a team which has faced its fair share of controversy and issues. He can be seen as a soft touch, but I think he is quite the opposite. He does not feel the need to shout the loudest to get his point across, but is firm but fair in the communication of his messages. He is an asset to English football, on the pitch but especially off the pitch. The abhorrent racist abuse experienced by Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jason Sancho was a dark period for English society. Southgate helped to navigate the squad through those traumatic days, condemning the abuse, calling for police to take strong action against abusers, whilst continuing to provide support to the three players in question. This might sound obvious, but his vehement support was a breath of fresh air after years of fence-sitters in high profile positions shirking difficult conversations and questions. Southgate has always been a strong mental health advocate, opening up throughout his tenure on the struggles he has faced as a player and manager. With men's mental health one of the key health issues facing this country, figures like Gareth Southgate normalising open conversation is incredibly important.
Before Southgate got the job, England were fresh off the back of the Sam Allardyce saga. The team were disliked and had been for some years. Sven Goran-Eriksson had overseen three consecutive quarter finals in tournaments, but failed to get the best out of the "Golden Generation". A rigid 4-4-2, forcing players out of position and poor goalkeepers can be cited as contributing factors to Sven's poor performance. From 2006 to 2016, England were more loathed than loved, or often greeted with shrugged shoulders. They failed to qualify for Euro 2008. Fabio Capello's reign was marred by controversy, language barriers and subdued performances. Infighting and discontent ruled the roost of those England camps, with Frank Lampard's ghost goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup burnt into the memories of all England fans. The affable if uninspiring Roy Hodgson followed. A shootout loss to Italy at Euro 2012 was a painful reminder of England's Achilles Heel. The abysmal World Cup in 2014, in which England failed to get out of the group, was only topped by the humiliation at the hands of Iceland in Euro 2016. Hodgson resigned that night, but the damage to the team's reputation was done. Sam Allardyce was appointed, who's survival expertise was rivalled only by Bear Grylls, in a rollercoaster 67 days as England boss. The appointment was uninspiring in quality, but hilarious in meme culture but also the idea that anyone can achieve anything. The idea that Big Sam, the pint of wine-loving, ex-Preston North End player and long ball aficionado could get the England job, was the truest personification of dreams coming true for anyone. But Allardyce went from loveable rogue to just rogue as itt all came crashing down when he was stung by the Daily Telegraph and subsequently sacked by the FA. His 100%-win record can never be taken away from him, even if it was a 1-0 win over Slovakia before he was delivering soundbites to the baying mob of journalists on his driveway. Enter Southgate, stage-left. The rest, as they say, is history. The former Pizza Hut advert star would go on to salvage a national team in grave danger.
I did not used to really like England. I would watch their games and support them in tournaments, but I never felt any love or connection with the national side. Club vs country would always see club win out in my mind. That is different now. The World Cup team in 2018 was the first I really found myself liking. Southgate worked hard to rebuild the trust between national side and fanbase. The images of Harry Maguire and Bukayo Saka aboard inflatable unicorns are famous, but they speak to a change in approach. Southgate let the media in in a way not many England coaches have done. He was cautious, but not closed off. This accessibility for fans and media makes the players more relatable, leading to a more positive relationship. The pride in the jersey has returned and this is down to Gareth Southgate.
The future is bright
This group is still so young, but are maturing under Southgate's guidance. He has not been afraid to cap youngsters and gives them great deals of responsibility. It would be a shame to do away with the positive relationship with this young group now. In two years' time, at Euro 2024, Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fikayo Tomori and Reece James will be 26. Ben Chilwell and Ben White 27. Declan Rice and Mason Mount 25. Jude Bellingham somehow only 21. Connor Gallagher and Phil Foden 24. Bukayo Sara will only be 23, with Marcus Rashford 27. Some of the more senior heads will still be in their prime, as Jordan Pickford, Raheem Sterling and John Stones will be 30, and Harry Kane 31. The experience the squad will have garnered, from the last couple of tournaments and two further seasons of club football under their belts, should not be underestimated. A lot of these players are serial winners. Stones, Foden, Sterling and Kyle Walker have won the lot with Manchester City, except the Champions League. Liverpool stars Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have won all four major trophies. Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount are Champions League winners with Chelsea. This squad is growing, as is Southgate. Keeping the group and coach together would be a huge positive.
Hot on the heels of this group are plenty of others putting their hands up for selection. Emile Smith-Rowe, Harvey Elliot, Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi and Jacob Ramsey are all key Premier League performers who will hope to make an impact on future England squads. Gareth Southgate cannot stay in this role forever. His guidance for the younger generation has clearly worked before, so his expertise could be important for seeing the next group through.
Looking back on when we first met
Whatever Gareth Southgate's final decision is, it is sure to divide opinion. His reign has not been perfect, but there have been some incredible moments littered in there. Eric Dier's penalty to secure the shootout win over Colombia in 2018 was history-making as well as joyous. Kieran Trippier's free kick really kicked the era into gear. England fans believed again, and life seemed so simple in the moments after Trippier bagged that free kick. Anything seemed possible; England were on top of the world. What transpired in that game was unimaginable at one point, England fans blinded by ecstasy. Southgate's waistcoats were themselves iconic, with retailers seeing large upturns in their waistcoat sales in the aftermath of his fashion choice. The bizarre 3-2 win over Spain in the Nations League in 2018 sticks out as a rare positive from the farcical Nations League. Raheem Sterling's goal to enact a semblance of revenge over Croatia in the European Championships' opening group match in 2021 was so satisfying - for both player, squad and manager. My personal favourite game/moment under Southgate (bar Trippier's free kick) was the 2-0 win over Germany at the same tournament. In that moment, I truly believed we could and would go on to win the Euros. Germany are not the side they once were, but England were in complete control for the entire match. Defeating the old enemy in such fashion was a true testament to the side's development. The laboured win over Denmark in the semi final was less grandiose due to its nail-biting nature, but the never say die attitude of England, particularly when Kane buried his rebounded penalty was fulfilling to watch. Before the most heartbreaking of moments in the shootout, England led Italy in the Euros final with a melee-inducing goal from Luke Shaw in the opening two minutes of the match. Pints flew, friends were kissed, disbelief shared. What followed was truly painful, and many of us have not forgotten. Any replays of Saka's penalty now lead to the television or phone being swiftly turned off. This World Cup was not short of good moments. A record win over Iran was a good starting point. Sending Wales packing with a comfortable 3-0 win was a lovely touch after some interesting pre-match comments from members of the Welsh squad. The round of 16 win over Senegal was simple after a shaky opening 30 minutes. Whilst positives can be drawn from the loss to France, ultimately it was a loss. I like Southgate and would like him to continue, but the disappointment is palpable. The progression is undeniable, but winning the next tournament must be the aim. Euro 2024 is there for the taking. If Southgate can take us there, that would be ideal. He is not perfect, but certainly has credit in the bank. This cannot be underestimated in its importance for longevity and development.
For now, we return to domestic football in England as Preston North End are in the play offs and Arsenal are top of the Premier League. Normal service will resume when both sides inevitably bottle their respective positions.
I leave you with the words of the man, the myth, Gareth Southgate:
"I mostly drink water, and stuff like that. But I enjoy a few beers at the weekend to unwind"
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the pictures in this blog post, nor do I claim to