After the EURO 2024 semi-final win over the Netherlands 2-1, British media and experts and former English players called on fans to stop criticizing coach Gareth Southgate. But then they were the ones who criticized the England coach the most after the final loss to Spain 1-2.
And many of them called for Southgate to resign. In fact, the 53-year-old coach only has a contract until December this year. Even if the English Football Association talks about "wanting Southgate to continue leading the team to the 2026 World Cup", perhaps not many people believe it.
One thing that confuses people is that despite being criticized and called for resignation, statistics show that Southgate has good results. In 102 matches in 8 years, he had 64 wins, 20 draws and 18 losses (62.7% win rate).
Of course, we cannot forget that he brought England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the finals of EURO 2020 and 2024. No predecessor could do that.
But in the end, statistics are not something to justify this former defender. The stars could save him and the "Three Lions" many times, but it was never enough with a safe, bland and lifeless approach maintained over the years.
Southgate has too many quality attacking players, but England must live by the breath of the moment, of the star, of careful thinking after taking the lead.
Many people blame Southgate for relying too much on Harry Kane - the captain striker is considered "heavy". But Kane is not at fault. Simply in Southgate's system, he is just like other stars, sometimes he shines, sometimes he doesn't.
So, England needs another coach. The person who turned the England team into a connected team, knowing how to make the most of the resources from existing outstanding individuals.
Who is the problem? A foreigner who understands English football? Or an Englishman with more character than Southgate ? Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola? Eddie Howe, Graham Potter? Regardless of who it is, what the England team needs for the future is the mindset of modern football, an attacking style to take advantage of existing resources.
Southgate is of the older generation, heavily defensive and conservative. Of course, he will leave with his head held high, but change is change, from the leaders of the Federation themselves.
Klopp just broke up with Liverpool and wants to take some time off. But he understands English football and may be interested in the new role and angle of the coaching profession - from club to national team. But the German coach is also on the list of candidates that the US team is aiming for.
Is the intensity of work on the team too leisurely for someone like Guardiola? It is possible that the Spanish coach does not want to cut off his busy routine anytime soon.
If they are British coaches, the requirements will be a bit higher, with the special point being to have a certain prestige, to bring a new source of energy, to inject enthusiasm and heat into the playing style. worthy of existing stars.
