Southgate might be better at the management than the football but an implausible triumph for his team is still possible
lub football, at least at the elite level, is meticulously planned. Teams of analysts pore over the data, find the patterns, identify the signings who will fit the style and mitigate areas of weakness, highlight potential flaws in opponents. The richest teams can buy not only the best players but also the best coaches and the best analysts and, as a result, elite club football, in as much as a sport as capricious as football ever can be, is predictable.
Everything is, to an extent, about bodging something together game by game. For the Netherlands, that frequently means chucking on Wout Weghorst to clatter around and create some space. It might not work at elite club level but in tournaments he is a valuable alternative option.That’s why the football part of international football is often a bit of a grind. It’s easier to organise a defence than an attack.
In Russia, France were fortunate that there were two games, against Argentina and Croatia, when it went wrong, which added a sheen of excitement; the quarter-final and semi-final victories over Uruguay and Belgium were what Didier Deschamps intended. In France, Portugal played abysmally, blundered through and suddenly woke up to find themselves facing Wales in a semi-final. That is the model.
And yet at these Euros, the Southgate method has gone awry. That Kalvin Phillips might not be available to play alongside Declan Rice has been apparent for at least a year but England went into the tournament desperately chucking different players into the role in the hope that something might stick. The dearth of left-footers creating an imbalance was obvious when the squad was selected .
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gareth Southgate’s new England look worryingly free of energy and resistanceEngland’s 1-0 defeat by Iceland in their final warm-up match before Euro 2024 left manager Gareth Southgate with more questions than answers
Read more »
England players not fit enough to press effectively, claims Gareth SouthgateGareth Southgate has claimed England players are not at the fitness levels required to carry out his Euro 2024 game plan
Read more »
England shirt hangs heavily on Gareth Southgate’s edgy and frazzled teamDespite four points from their first two games, England are looking increasingly unconvincing and the plan to win the Euros feels a burden
Read more »
England under Gareth Southgate: rampant individualism and a saviour complexManager has become used to the trappings of office and players are in a comfort zone. Where has the sense of fun gone?
Read more »
Jeers turn to cheers as happy England fans call truce with Gareth SouthgateManager’s name booed before kick-off but by the end supporters respond to his applause and show their support
Read more »
‘False expectations, false analysis’: how others have seen England’s EurosWriters from around Europe give their verdicts on Gareth Southgate’s struggling side in Euro 2024
Read more »