Summary
Gareth Southgate has faced intense criticism recently after England’s draw with Ukraine, but he has transformed England’s fortunes over his tenure. After years of underperformance, he has led England to qualify from the group stage in the last three major tournaments, reaching two semi-finals. Southgate has developed an increasingly proactive style, tailored tactics to get the best from young stars like Bellingham and Saka, and England were the second-highest scorers at the 2022 World Cup. While top rivals like Germany, Italy and Belgium have declined, Southgate has brought consistency.
Southgate is the right manager because of his long-term planning and integration of the youth teams, his pragmatic approach to get results, and his ability to adapt tactics and personnel to unlock England’s potential. He has more major tournament wins than any other England manager and his six knockout victories in the last three tournaments equal England’s total over 48 prior years. Southgate understands what is needed to succeed at tournaments, and he is the best person to lead England’s continued development.
“Sixty per cent possession, no shots on target conceded, and a 3-1 away win against a side with a perfect Euro 2024 qualifying record that included a win over Spain on this ground in March. England played the game, not the occasion, showing maturity and ruthlessness, with six changes to the team that drew with Ukraine.”
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“Sixty per cent possession, no shots on target conceded, and a 3-1 away win against a side with a perfect Euro 2024 qualifying record that included a win over Spain on this ground in March. England played the game, not the occasion, showing maturity and ruthlessness, with six changes to the team that drew with Ukraine.”
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“Under Southgate, England have gone from 12th [in 2018] to consistently top five in FIFA’s rankings.”
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England’s style under Southgate has moved from a direct hoof-it style, to a slower build-up, more pragmatic, intricate, possession-based style.
“England ranked second for possession (62.8 per cent) behind Spain at the World Cup”
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