Overall, Gareth Southgate’s England reign has been successful, but it still hasn’t brought that elusive tournament victory. After 102 games in charge, Euro 2024 did not spell the end to the England men’s trophy drought.
The final, or perhaps even the entire tournament, represents a critical juncture for Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England’s manager, ahead of the World Cup.
While evaluating his performance solely based on this final result might be overly simplistic, their weak showing will undoubtedly influence public perception and potentially his future with the team.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors at play:
- Style of Play: Southgate’s conservative approach has drawn criticism throughout the tournament. They were booed off the pitch by their fans after draws against Denmark and Slovenia, during the group stages.
- Tournament Performance: Reaching the final is a significant achievement, but falling short after a promising run has raised questions about Southgate’s tactical decisions and ability to take the team all the way.
- Player Development: Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 19, only made his England debut in March but played a key role in the run to the final, while defender Marc Guehi, 24, was also appearing at his first major tournament and impressed in Harry Maguire’s absence. Southgate successfully nurtured young talent and improved the overall quality of the squad, going into the World Cup, which would point in his favor.
- Fan Sentiment: Many pundits and fans, however, felt that England’s scramble throughout the tournament resulted from the restraint of the manager’s defensive mindset, which stunted their attackers and allowed matches to drift beyond normal time
- Player Performance: Individual performances, particularly from key players is a major talking point. Southgate cited the “lack of game time” that his captain, Harry Kane, had on entering the Euros as a reason why England didn’t see the best of their talismanic striker. He also spoke of the “fatigue” and the “extra-time periods” in the tournament that hit his side.
The Verdict Isn’t Black and White
While the final might be seen as a judgment call on Southgate, it’s important to consider the bigger picture. England has shown steady progress under Southgate. They were runners-up at the Euros and have a talented young squad.