As Gareth Southgate commences his fourth and likely final stint as England’s football manager with the Euro 2024 opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, it’s become increasingly evident that England’s football situation has come full circle somewhat inadvertently. This unexpected return seems to mirror the very beginning of this initiative.
The groundwork for this Southgate era was laid on two clearly stated principles. The first was a transformation of England’s general atmosphere, replacing despondent celebrity downfall with a more jovial approach, full of mythological creature flotations and waistcoated fist pumps under the Samara sun. There was a clear commitment to refrain from English exceptionalism and avoid succumbing to the overhype of the so-called Golden Generation. The aim was to translate the anticipation and hope into something light and moderately intense.
The second principle was a distinct aspiration to change the narrative from being personality-centric to one focused on the process. The intention was to shift the drama of larger-than-life personalities like Big Sam, Big Roy, and Quite Big Gaz to a narrative focused on the pathways, talent growth, and the creation of opportunities, steering clear of quick solutions and manager deification.
However, whether these objectives were achieved remains a difficult question, particularly when it seems as if we’ve retraced our steps back to a familiar spot. The most apparent aspect is that English football is once again grappling with the challenges and temptations of managing a talented group of players.
Fast forward two decades from the notorious excesses of Sven-era in Baden-Baden, and we’re hearing the term ‘golden generation’ being thrown around a lot as the Euros approach. England boasts a formidable team, especially in attacking midfield, albeit with noticeable gaps. While they’re certainly contenders for the title, so are at least four other nations.
The discussion, the conversation, centres once more on a pool of talent that is considered “world-class”, on powerful offence, on not merely letting off the handbrake but aggressively ripping it off and throwing it out, “dominating” exceptionally capable football teams that also possess quality players. Despite the illusion of modesty, the strategy, the caution exercised, this is essentially a revision: Second Golden Generation: This Time We Believe We’re Different.
Moreover, there’s the specific issue of Southgate himself and the resurgence of the Unattainable Position. In spite of his contrary attempts, Southgate still heroes the front, eight years since his appointment, being as much the frontman, the target for criticism, and sole determinant of English triumph as any who came before him.
This is quite a transformation for those who recall the pre-England, pre-modern Gareth, a charming, appealing individual, whose public demeanour has been compared to a talking anteater, a situation that’s not supposed to be possible.
Just how significant is Gareth? Gareth is a sensation. Gareth is effectively the legend, so much so that the BBC has ordered a four-episode, four-hour television adaptation of the smash hit stage show Dear England. In this series, our protagonist will again be portrayed by the esteemed theatre and film actor, Joseph Fiennes, known for his pre-Gareth roles of William Shakespeare, Lawrence of Arabia, Merlin, and Jesus Christ.
[ Euro 2024: Will England finally claim a first victory since 1966? ]
We’re approaching the climax of this fourth act, with a prevailing sentiment that no matter the outcome, this narrative will play out in reluctant, minor tones. Two issues prevail. Firstly, Southgate finds himself in a dilemma where, due to his own raising of the bar, success won’t equate to winning, a predicament referred to as Gareth’s Puzzle.
Despite the criticism that Southgate is likely to face regardless of England’s performance in the Euros, people need to remember the significant progress he’s helped the English football team achieve over the past eight years. Prior to his arrival, the team’s performance was dismal to say the least, and under his leadership, they’ve improved markedly, yet the critics seem to persist.
One accusation that’s commonly levelled at Southgate is that he tends to exercise excessive caution and is too favourable towards certain players. However, these allegations are unsubstantiated. Although Southgate may come across as cautious and biased, his ruthless side can be seen in his dealings with the 2018 team. His current squad, which has a surplus of attackers, does not reflect an overly cautious manager.
Moreover, some critics argue that Southgate’s management led to England losing the final of Euro 2020, ignoring the fact that they were merely three missed penalties away from winning the tournament. The Italians dominated the match due to superior mid-field performance, a recurrent weakness in England’s play in games against Croatia, the Netherlands in the Nations League, and France in Qatar.
Southgate has a limited say in shaping the English squad, which is generated by the English game. He’s not the most audacious tactician, although he could have varied the game, disrupting on-field structures. Despite his shortcomings, Southgate led England to its second final in 75 years, which is commendable.
While the gilded potential of this team is in question, the real issue is how good does their capability extend? Are they just fairly competent, outstandingly talented, or arrogantly adept? Moreover, is their skill truly prized? How does their offence measure up to the likes of Shearer, Owen, Wright, Sheringham, Ferdinand, Cole, and Fowler, for example? The team lacks a genuine defensive midfielder and an in-form left-sided left back. Yes, England are proficient, but winning a tournament isn’t necessarily a guaranteed outcome.
Despite all this, English football will forever be an empty canvas, a receptacle for the emotions that its fans choose to launch upon it. The squad accused of no game plan, of being weary, cliquey, and stressed, under Southgate’s guidance, will hopefully continue to defy these labels. The real concern during this tournament is Southgate’s firmness in picking the team, his readiness to prune and bring in new energy that might leave the final line-up looking a tad unseasoned.
Parallel to this, Southgate will persist in carrying out two distinct tasks: steering the team and also controlling the notion of Englishness, the hopes and anxieties of the English, and the expectations—something hardly any other countries demand on such an absurdly inflated level. For instance, there are no theatrical productions titled “Dear Belgium” or “Dear Paraguay” that highlight the fears associated with being Belgian or Paraguayan.
It’s important to note that none of this is Southgate’s creation. Yet it continues to be his cross to bear.
– taken from The Guardian.