Gareth Southgate approaches the very rowdy English fans who filled the Cologne stadium. England have just won group C of the European Championship, earning the round of 16 as did Slovenia, who on the other side of the stadium are celebrating with praise from their fans. England, however, left amidst boos after the 0-0 draw which qualified them. And when the coach approaches his fans, instead of applause he receives paper cups. And lots of insults. It’s the mood around England these days, the idea that this team is in the round of 16 from before the group as it had set itself completely overshadowed by the disastrous level of play expressed in the first two matches. And the coach who restored credibility to England but who everyone has doubted for some time is the main accused.
atmosphere
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“I understand the disappointment of the fans, I don’t back down from criticism – said the coach in the belly of the Cologne stadium -. The important thing is that we all stick together. I understand the atmosphere that has been created around me and it is better for the team that this disappointment is directed towards me, but it is creating an unusual environment to work in. I haven’t seen any other team qualify for the round of 16 and receive similar treatment. But we don’t back down. I think the criticism is due to the expectations we have created, to having made the national team competitive again. But we need the enthusiasm of the fans.”
under accusation
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The atmosphere around England has become heavy in the last week. The European Championship began with the idea that “it’s coming home”, that this would be the right time in which a very strong team on paper, with an attack worth half a billion euros and a collection of champions that the others don’t have, finally managed to win something. England did what we expected, progressing to the round of 16 from first in the group, but in terms of play they never lived up to expectations. And Southgate is held mainly responsible for not having yet put all his talents in a position to perform at their best. Foden shone against Slovenia, finally active and in the heart of the game as the one voted best player of the last Premier League, but by unblocking the City star Southgate ended up swallowing Jude Bellingham, who gradually disappeared after the goal on his debut with Serbia. And even Harry Kane, captain and leading light in attack, played a game well below his usual level despite having room to move. Southgate has not yet solved the puzzle in midfield: Alexander-Arnold and Gallagher failed, in the second half he gave space to the 19-year-old Mainoo.
reset
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While waiting to understand who will be the opponent in the round of 16 (if the best third-placed teams were the current ones it would be the Netherlands), England returned to their headquarters in Weimar and gave themselves a day of rest. For Southgate and his staff it will be a day of study, to understand how to resolve the problems ahead of Sunday. The coach in the spotlight has many issues to resolve: he may have brought England where he needed to be, but that’s not enough for the fans. Pessimism is growing and Southgate has become a target. He has practically always been critical. Since yesterday he has also been one of those fans to whom he would like to give a dream.
