England’s defeat in the Euros final was undoubtedly a heartbreaking moment for fans, players, and coaches alike. It felt like the perfect opportunity to end the long wait for a major title, but ultimately, Spain proved to be the better team. However, despite the disappointment, England’s football is still in a good position.
Under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, England has achieved unprecedented success in recent tournaments. They have reached two finals, a semi-final, and a quarter-final in just four tournaments. This remarkable run is something that has never been seen before. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the players and the coaching staff.
Southgate and his team have done an exceptional job of changing the entire environment and narrative surrounding the national team. Their efforts have created a positive culture that has had a significant impact on the players’ performance. Whether Southgate continues as the manager or not, it is crucial to preserve this wider culture that has been established.
The Euros tournament was a significant test for this culture, and although England fell at the final hurdle, they overcame numerous challenges along the way. This experience will only make them stronger and more determined to succeed in future tournaments.
Looking ahead to the World Cup in 2026 and beyond, England has a promising group of young players who have the potential to continue performing at a high level for years to come. Players like Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer have already showcased their talent and will likely feature in many more tournaments.
Additionally, there are experienced players who missed out on the Euros who will be eager to prove themselves and earn their place in the squad again. Players like Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, and James Maddison will undoubtedly be motivated to make a strong comeback.
One of the significant benefits of England’s success is the inspiration it provides to future generations of players. While the team may not have lifted the trophy, their memorable moments in Germany, such as Bellingham’s overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner, will be remembered and recreated by aspiring young players across the country. National team success holds a special significance and can ignite a new level of inspiration and desire among young players.
England’s journey to the final should also serve as a boost for English coaches. The fact that players who have been coached by English coaches throughout their careers reached the European Championship final is a testament to the quality of coaching in the country. English coaches have taken inspiration from the likes of Pep Guardiola and adapted their philosophy while adding their own ideas. This combination has proved successful, as seen in the performances of players like John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice.
Moving forward, it is essential for England to continue developing and evolving as a team. While the old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when not playing well remains crucial, there is also a need to showcase the technical abilities and comfort on the ball that many English players possess. The disappointment of the tournament was that these qualities were not displayed as often as desired. It is important to strike a balance between the traditional strengths and the technical skills that can elevate England’s game to new heights.
In order to achieve this, coaches must continue producing players who are comfortable on the ball and can perform under pressure at a high level. The system that has been created by the academies, clubs, and the FA has laid a solid foundation for success. The focus now should be on allowing these players to showcase their talents and give English football a distinct identity.
Overall, despite the disappointment of the Euros final, England’s football is in a good place. The team’s success has been unprecedented, and there is a wealth of talent both in the current squad and among the younger generations. By maintaining the positive culture established by Southgate and further developing technical abilities, England has the potential to consistently dominate opponents and finally achieve that long-awaited major title.