Gareth Southgate recently marked 150 games with England, both as a player and as a manager. While his legacy includes ending England’s penalty shootout curse during the 2018 World Cup and achieving a knockout win over Germany in Euro 2020, the painful loss to Italy in the Euro 2021 final still lingers.
Southgate has faced criticism for his tactical decisions, particularly the delay in making substitutions during crucial matches. As he leads England into Euro 2024, questions about his tactical acumen persist, with many fans viewing him as a potential obstacle to the team’s success.
Despite transforming the team culture and building a strong connection with supporters, Southgate must demonstrate that he can match the depth and quality of his squad with effective tactics. England’s upcoming match against Serbia will be a test of their ability to perform consistently against top opponents.
While the attacking lineup looks promising with players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham supporting Harry Kane, concerns remain about defensive vulnerabilities. Centre-halves John Stones and Marc Geuhi will need to step up in the absence of Harry Maguire, especially against threats like Aleksandr Mitrovic.
Serbia’s plan to press England and exploit defensive weaknesses, as seen in Iceland’s recent victory, poses a significant challenge for Southgate. The manager’s decision-making in key moments will be crucial to England’s success in the tournament.
With Southgate hinting at stepping down if England does not win the Euros, this competition represents a final opportunity for him to elevate the team to new heights and leave behind the disappointment of previous tournaments. As fans eagerly await the team’s performance, all eyes will be on Southgate to deliver results and prove his readiness for the next level of success.