Does Gareth Southgate Need to Win Euro 2024 to be a Great England Manager?
As Euro 2024 approaches, there are questions surrounding Gareth Southgate’s status as a great England manager. Our SunSport experts have engaged in a lively debate on this topic.
Gareth Southgate’s Journey as England Manager
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England has already qualified for Euro 2024 in Germany, securing their spot with two games to go after a 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley last month.
Despite Southgate’s success since taking over as manager in 2016, there is a debate about whether he needs to win a European cup to solidify his status as a great manager.
Dave Kidd, SunSport’s chief sports writer, believes that Southgate is already one of the best England managers in the past 50 years, comparing him to Sir Alf Ramsey, who led the country to their only World Cup victory in 1966.
Kidd stated, “No, I don’t think he does. He absolutely is England’s best manager in 50 years since Alf Ramsey. His record speaks for itself. He reached the final of a major championship in the last Euros and performed admirably in two World Cups. He has transformed the culture within the team, and players now genuinely want to play for England and enjoy it. While winning the tournament would further prove his greatness, I do believe he will win the Euros.”
Southgate’s Journey and Challenges
Gareth Southgate emerged from the ranks of the England U21 coach to take on the senior position ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
The Doubts and Expectations
Tom Barclay, senior football writer, argues that some fans doubt Southgate’s greatness because England has not brought home any silverware under his leadership. Barclay acknowledges that fans may have a short memory and forget the state of the team when Southgate first took charge. He also emphasizes the responsibility that comes with having the best generation of players in recent memory.
With a talented squad including stars like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, Southgate faces the challenge of leading his team to European glory in the upcoming tournament.
Conclusion
Gareth Southgate’s ability to be a great England manager is a topic of scrutiny as Euro 2024 approaches. While opinions differ, many believe that Southgate’s achievements and transformation of the team make him one of the best England managers in recent history. Whether or not he needs to win Euro 2024 to solidify his greatness remains a subject of debate.
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Despite previous setbacks, including a defeat to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and a loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, Southgate’s leadership has propelled England to a third-place finish in the UEFA Nations League. The upcoming Euro 2024 tournament will be a crucial test for Southgate as he aims to guide his team to victory.