- Apr 5, 2014
- 23,585
Having watched England's second ever triumph in the Euros at the knockout stage that doesn't involve penalties (the media seem to have forgotten the two-legged quarter final against Spain in 1968- in fact, it is only ever Spain who we have beaten in knockouts) most of us will feel more disposed towards Southgate if we weren't already.
For him the stakes have become higher in his climb or fall in public affection.
Had England been defeated last night in a close and tense affair, especially if it had been on penalties (or 'eleven-meter-shooting' as my German friend calls it) there may well have been some hand wringing and wailing in sackcloth and ashes. However, the FA and a lot of folk who have no issue with Southgate could have ridden the storm suggesting that another standard defeat to a powerhouse nation is the lot of all England managers.
But that's gone now.
The path to the final has the Ukraine and Czech Republic (already defeated) or Denmark standing in the way. On paper, and in the minds of fans who know the rankings and performances of the first two, things should be pretty straight forward. England were defeated by Denmark at home in the ENL last year, but that was after Maguire was sent off in the first half.
So many fans have adjusted their expectations to July 11th. Yet an emotional Denmark, and the Czech Republic since the 5-0 drubbing, are no mugs. The match against Ukraine will not see the team with support like last night (if much support at all).
For Southgate, Germany could well have provided a buffer from some criticism that would have been received should last night not have worked out. Now he has no cover. Even the commentators and pundits, as usual, are getting ahead of themself.
I can't help thinking Southgate's plans and smart execution, as well as Germany's short-comings, last night have set a rod for his own back.
He has to reach the final to be given any credit, even just for the Germany win.
For him the stakes have become higher in his climb or fall in public affection.
Had England been defeated last night in a close and tense affair, especially if it had been on penalties (or 'eleven-meter-shooting' as my German friend calls it) there may well have been some hand wringing and wailing in sackcloth and ashes. However, the FA and a lot of folk who have no issue with Southgate could have ridden the storm suggesting that another standard defeat to a powerhouse nation is the lot of all England managers.
But that's gone now.
The path to the final has the Ukraine and Czech Republic (already defeated) or Denmark standing in the way. On paper, and in the minds of fans who know the rankings and performances of the first two, things should be pretty straight forward. England were defeated by Denmark at home in the ENL last year, but that was after Maguire was sent off in the first half.
So many fans have adjusted their expectations to July 11th. Yet an emotional Denmark, and the Czech Republic since the 5-0 drubbing, are no mugs. The match against Ukraine will not see the team with support like last night (if much support at all).
For Southgate, Germany could well have provided a buffer from some criticism that would have been received should last night not have worked out. Now he has no cover. Even the commentators and pundits, as usual, are getting ahead of themself.
I can't help thinking Southgate's plans and smart execution, as well as Germany's short-comings, last night have set a rod for his own back.
He has to reach the final to be given any credit, even just for the Germany win.
Last edited:
(Quoted wrong post)