When England were digesting their shock Euro 2016 exit to Iceland in the round of 16, if fans and pundits had been asked who was the manager most likely to lead the team’s resurgence few would have pointed to Gareth Southgate.
The former defender was the face of English failure for his penalty shoot-out miss against Germany at Euro96 while his coaching career did not promise much after relegation with Middlesbrough and a poor run with England’s under-21 side.
Southgate has captured the nation’s hearts but also been his own man, sticking with sometimes unpopular tactics such as a double midfield pivot of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, while being unmoved by public clamour to start Jack Grealish more. “Our players are role models. And, beyond the confines of the pitch, we must recognise the impact they can have on society. We must give them the confidence to stand up for their teammates and the things that matter to them as people.”
“Second, he has made his team believe in his plan, which is: nobody will score against us easily or quickly.” Southgate’s style of play might not be the swashbuckling style some fans crave, but it has been highly effective.
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