The Three Lions faced a disappointing defeat in Berlin’s Euro 2024 final, with Spain emerging as European champions. Gareth Southgate, who had been in charge for eight years, was criticized for his lack of decisiveness and his cautious mentality. The team struggled to grind out the win that mattered most, as Spain put on a masterclass in fluidity and ruthlessness.
Spain’s fourth European Championship title was secured by Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute strike, putting them above Germany as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Southgate’s apparent reluctance to take the game to the opposition and prioritizing discipline over creative expression contributed to the defeat.
Spain took full control after losing star midfielder Rodri to injury, but England dug deep and introduced Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer to turn the tide. Palmer made the decisive impact, firing in a superb long-range equaliser after a clever Jude Bellingham assist. Spain were shell-shocked, and the Three Lions should have gone for the jugular, but Southgate’s cautious mentality rubs off on the squad, and his lack of tactical nous inspires confusion.
The Three Lions finished up 10th in the expected goals (xG) table, and before the final, they were in the same position for shots on target. Southgate didn’t maximize the potential of the group, plain and simple. He’s instilled a real team spirit, which had been lacking for decades, but he didn’t know how to turn England into winners.
Many of England’s household names were guilty of underperforming in Germany, but none more so than Kane. Although the Bayern Munich striker did win a share of the Golden Boot with three goals, he was the weakest link for the Three Lions, failing to lead the press, hold the ball up, or have any real involvement in general play.
Southgate’s blind loyalty to Kane held England back, as he had been sticking with one of his favourites despite overwhelming clamour for a change. Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Kalvin Phillips, and Harry Maguire also enjoyed similar standings in the squad at previous tournaments, with Southgate always stressing the need for “continuity.”
It’s possible that Kane’s powers are on the wane as he approaches his 31st birthday, but if Southgate had stayed on, the former Tottenham star would be practically guaranteed another starring role at the World Cup in North America in two years’ time. Starting for England has to be a merit-based privilege, and Southgate needed to step away now while his dignity is still firmly intact.
Euro 2024 will be remembered as another missed opportunity for England manager Gary Southgate, who has the second-best win percentage of any England boss since Sir Alf Ramsey. Spain beat Italy, Croatia, Germany, and France en route to the Berlin showpiece, while England edged past Serbia, Slovakia, and one of the worst Netherlands teams in recent history. The Three Lions were all too easily tamed when they finally came up against a world-class outfit.
Southgate’s past abuse has been inexcusable, but it would have only worsened if he had stubbornly clung onto his post. When asked about his future, Southgate replied that now was not the time for him to speak about it. He added that England are in a good position in terms of the experience they have, most of which will be around for the next World Cup and maybe the next Euros.
The Football Association reportedly wanted Southgate to remain in charge beyond the end of his contract, which had been due to expire in December. He has been the perfect frontman for the FA up to this point, with a well-mannered, conservative coach who rarely airs any of his internal frustration or concern in public. However, there are plenty of options in the foreign manager pool right now, including two Premier League icons, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.
Southgate has given England supporters plenty of great memories, but progress is no longer being made. Familiarity breeds contempt, and the national team environment could have become toxic again if he hadn’t done the right thing. It’s time for a new face to take on football’s “impossible job.”
(Goal)
