The Guardian: Southgate Can’t Silence Critics Even with Euros Victory

The Guardian writes that Southgate has entered an era of irrationality, where he will face criticism regardless of whether England wins the Euros.

The newspaper suggests that if England fails to win the tournament, Southgate will be ridiculed by those who delight in mockery, labeled a fraud, a dream crusher, and a traitor to English football. If England triumphs, he will be derided as a mere passenger and imitator, blamed for not winning enough before, and seen as an accidental leader whose team has finally won in spite of his opposition.

On the other hand, assessments of Southgate’s performance with the England team remain divided, with no real consensus possible. Despite noticeable improvements since his appointment, doubts persist. While the team struggled before him, they have shown progress, but questions linger.

Southgate led England to the 2020 Euro final, a fact that will be remembered, but his team’s loss in that final will also be etched in memory. England was just three penalties away from victory, with a successful campaign overall, but fell short due to a detail. Italy dominated the final due to their stronger midfield. In fact, every major defeat under Southgate – from Croatia in the 2018 World Cup to the Netherlands in the Nations League and France in the World Cup in Qatar – can be attributed to a weaker midfield. Southgate had limited control over this. His tactics allowed space for players, and a more astute tactician might have reshaped the formation to disrupt the game. Southgate is not without flaws, but it cannot be denied that he guided England to their second final in 75 years.

The issue of squandering so much talent remains. How good is this team? Is it truly a golden generation? Do they possess the attacking prowess of Shearer, Owen, Wright, Sheringham, Ferdinand, Cole, and Fowler? The squad lacks a dedicated holding midfielder and a fit left-footed left-back. England is a solid team, but expectations of a European Championship triumph should be managed.