Gareth Southgate’s England team has arrived in Germany for the Euro 2024 tournament, facing a crucial test that will determine their status as a genuine contender or merely the “nearly men” who fall short when it matters most. Southgate’s tenure as manager should be evaluated based on the progress made since he inherited a chaotic situation in 2016. Under his leadership, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the final of Euro 2020, and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. However, their recent humiliating defeat to Iceland raises concerns ahead of their tournament opener against Serbia.
Despite the setback, there are reasons for optimism as England arrives in Germany. Southgate has fostered a sense of well-being within the squad, allowing players to enjoy representing their country without feeling burdened by expectations. This has generated goodwill towards the team and Southgate from both inside and outside the squad. However, despite the positive narrative surrounding Southgate’s reign, there is no denying that a major tournament victory is needed to provide a satisfactory ending to the story.
The upcoming tournament carries a sense of urgency for England, considering their previous failures in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. The missed opportunity of losing to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, which was essentially a home tournament for England, adds to the pressure. The squad boasts world-class talent such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, making them enviable to other countries. Southgate’s bold squad selection in midfield and attack, including stand-out picks like Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze, adds excitement. However, the absence of Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire due to injury will be felt.
England’s squad combines experience and youthful exuberance, making them strong contenders for Euro 2024. Anything less than victory would be deemed a huge disappointment, although calling it a failure may be too strong if they face France in the semi-finals and come up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe. Nevertheless, major disappointment is unavoidable if they fall short once again. Southgate’s measured and mature approach has brought stability to a difficult job, but he and England must prove themselves as winners.
Southgate’s future will undoubtedly be a subject of debate regardless of the tournament outcome. If England fails to end their trophy drought dating back to 1966, Southgate may consider stepping down after managing the team in four major tournaments. His record surpasses that of any England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, and he will have managed more tournaments than Sven-Goran Eriksson and Roy Hodgson. Hodgson’s last two tournaments were particularly embarrassing for England, with early exits in 2014 and a humiliating defeat to Iceland in 2016.
If England emerges victorious in Germany, Southgate will face a decision whether to leave on a high or continue for a third attempt at the World Cup in 2026. Despite being ranked fourth by FIFA, many consider England as favorites for Euro 2024. Their group stage opponents, Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, should not pose significant challenges. If they top the group, they could potentially face Italy in the quarter-finals, France in the semi-finals, and Spain in the final. However, as history has shown with England, uncertainties remain.
England possesses a squad capable of winning the tournament, boasting players like Kane, Bellingham, and Foden who would easily fit into any other team. While there are concerns over the left-back position, central defense, and partnering with Declan Rice in midfield, overall, England appears to have what it takes. However, until they win something, they cannot be considered the real deal. The mental strength forged by past disappointments will be crucial in breaking through the psychological barriers that have hindered England in the past.
The answers to these questions will determine the immediate and long-term future for England and Southgate. A successful campaign at Euro 2024 would solidify Southgate’s legacy, while another disappointment could lead to speculation about his future. Regardless of the outcome, Southgate’s principles and focus remain firmly on the England team, dismissing rumors of a potential move to Manchester United. The coming weeks will shape his next move, and only time will tell if Southgate can deliver the ultimate prize for England.