After the EURO 2024 semi-final beat the Netherlands 2-1, the British media and experts, the former English player called on fans to stop criticizing coach Gareth Southgate. But then they themselves criticized the England coach the most after the 1-2 loss to Spain in the final.
And many of them have called for Southgate's resignation. In fact, the 53-year-old coach only has a contract until December this year. Although the English Football Association has spoken about " wanting Southgate to continue leading the team to the 2026 World Cup", perhaps few people believe it.
something that has confused people is that despite being criticized and called for resignation, the statistics show that Southgate has had good results. In 102 matches in 8 years, he has 64 wins, 20 draws and 18 losses (62.7%).
Of course, it is unforgettable that he led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, EURO 2020 and 2024 finals. No previous employee has done that.
But in the end, statistics are not an excuse for this former defender. The stars may have saved him and the "Three Lions" many times but it was never enough with a safe, bland and lackluster approach that has been maintained over the years.
Southgate has too many quality attacking players, but England just have to live with the breath of momentum, of starry mind, of cautious thinking after taking the lead.
Many people blamed Southgate for being too trusting Harry Kane - the captain striker who was considered "heavyweight". But Kane is not at fault. It's simply that in Southgate's system, he's just like other stars, shining sometimes, not at all.
Therefore, England need another coach. The one who transformed England into a team with connecting threads, knowing how to make the most of resources from outstanding individuals.
Who is the problem? A foreigner understands English football? Or is there an Englander than Southgate? Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola? Eddie Howe, Graham Potter? Whoever, what the England team needs for the future is the mindset of modern football, the attacking style to take advantage of existing resources.
Southgate is of the previous generation, heavily defensive and conservative. Of course, he will leave in a high-ranking position, but change is change, from the leaders of the Federation itself.
Klopp has just left Liverpool, wanting to take a break for a while. But he understands English football and can be interested in the new role and perspective of the coaching profession - from the club to the national team. But the German coach is also on the list of candidates that the US team is aiming for.
Is the intensity of working in the national team too relaxed for someone like Guardiola? It is very likely that the Spanish coach does not want to soon cut off his busy filming career.
If it were the English coaches, the requirements would be a little higher, with the special point of having a certain prestige, having to bring a new source of energy, breathing into the playing style a passion, heat, worthy of the existing stars.
