Gareth Southgate has faced heavy criticism, especially after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. However, there are several reasons why he receives more blame than he deserves. Here are 21 points to consider.
1. Consistent Tournament Progress
Under Southgate, England has reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of Euro 2020, showing a level of consistency not seen in decades.
2. Squad Development
Southgate has nurtured young talent, bringing in players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham, who are now central to the team’s success.
3. Modern Tactics
He introduced a modern, possession-based style of play, moving away from England’s traditional long-ball tactics, making the team more competitive internationally.
4. Cultural Shift
Southgate has transformed the team’s culture, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, which has been praised by players and pundits alike.
5. Handling Media Pressure
His calm and respectful handling of the media has deflected pressure from his players, allowing them to focus on their game.
6. Diverse Squad Selection
Southgate has been open to selecting players from all backgrounds and clubs, not just the traditional top teams, broadening the talent pool.
7. Focus on Mental Health
He has prioritised players’ mental health, ensuring they have the support needed to handle the pressures of international football.
8. Dealing with Injuries
Despite significant injuries to key players, Southgate has managed to keep the team competitive and adaptive.
9. Improved Discipline
Under his leadership, player discipline has improved, with fewer off-field controversies and a more professional attitude on and off the pitch.
10. Tactical Flexibility
Southgate has shown tactical flexibility, often changing formations to best counter opponents, even if this sometimes leads to criticism.
11. Penalty Shootout Success
He helped England overcome their penalty shootout curse by leading them to victory in the 2018 World Cup against Colombia.
12. Dealing with Criticism
Southgate has handled immense criticism with grace, maintaining his focus on the team’s goals and long-term success.
13. Handling of High-Profile Players
He has managed high-profile players’ egos effectively, maintaining harmony within the squad.
14. Public Support
Despite the critics, he has maintained a significant amount of public support, showing his impact beyond just results.
15. Historical Comparisons
Comparing his tenure to past managers shows significant improvement in both results and team unity.
16. Developing Leaders
He has developed future leaders within the squad, such as Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson, who play pivotal roles on and off the field.
17. Adapting to Modern Football
Southgate has adapted to the modern football environment, incorporating analytics and advanced training methods.
18. Promotion of Young Talent
He has consistently promoted young talent, ensuring the future of the national team looks bright.
19. Maintaining Integrity
Southgate has maintained his integrity, often making tough decisions that prioritize the team’s success over individual interests.
20. Community Engagement
He has actively engaged with the community, using his platform to support social causes and promote positive change.
21. Long-Term Vision
Southgate’s focus on long-term success rather than immediate results has laid a strong foundation for future achievements, even if it means enduring short-term criticism.
A Royal Endorsement
Even His Majesty The King has written to Gareth Southgate and the England team following their loss against Spain at the Euro 2024 final, recognizing the hard work and dedication. Southgate’s contributions to the England national team have been substantial and often underappreciated, showing that he deserves more respect and less criticism.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Marco Iacobucci Epp.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.