In the last game before the World Cup, England have been unable to win six consecutive games after drawing with Germany, tying the record for the longest failure to win in team history. Relegation from UEFA League finally allowed Southgate to finally step off the altar. If the Three Lions don't do well enough in Qatar's World Cup, Southgate is likely to be sacked.
Facing Germany, England finally broke the curse of the UEFA League not being able to break through in the movement. However, after being scored three goals by Germany, England have conceded more than three goals in two consecutive home games for the first time since June 1995. Attacking can't find a way, the defense is breathless, and English fans have begun to call for Southgate to step down.
Failed experiments
In the two UEFA League games in September, Southgate conducted "experiments" on formation, tactics and staffing, and the results were not ideal. In the battle against Italy, Saca, Sterling and Foden all got the opportunity to play, of which Saca, who is used to playing right wing, switched to playing left wing, which greatly reduced Saca's play.
The performances of Sterling and Foden have also been questioned, with Robson pointing out, "These two wingers will only run around when attacking, and lack tacit understanding with Kane." "In addition to Bellingham, Walker, Maguire and Rice all played badly.
Against Germany, the Three Lions used the 343 formation, which will basically be England's lineup against Iran in the first World Cup match. Maguire and Pope made consecutive low-level mistakes, resulting in three goals for Germany. Fortunately, Luke Shaw broke the sports game drought since November 2021. Mount and Kane each scored a goal to eventually tie England to Germany.
Legendary striker Lineker pointed out that Southgate made a mistake in drawing up the roster, and many of the players who have performed well this season have not been selected, including Sancho and Madison.
Unlike the championship-winning favourites like Argentina, Brazil and France, Southgate has yet to find the best match and has not even been able to finalize the final 26-man list. Legendary striker Sutton noted that "Southgate still doesn't know what the strongest England squad looks like. ”
What's more, England's performance has not made any breakthroughs compared to the time of Euro 2020, and Southgate's tactics remain fairly conservative. Of course, considering the short training time and the tight World Cup schedule, many managers may adopt conservative tactics. However, if there is no innovation and progress, England will once again be out early in the World Cup.
Southgate's last chance?
Renowned journalist Ian Leedman believes it would be unfair if Southgate had been fired at this point. It was his excellent coaching that made England successful in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
However, neither the player nor the manager can lie in the book of merit of the past. If the Three Lions are to continue the UEFA League slump at the Qatar World Cup, then Southgate is the one who bears the brunt for it.
Southgate was tough at one point, and even after losing to Italy, Southgate said he was the perfect man to coach England. However, just one day later, Southgate changed his tune, openly admitting that "if the national team does not perform well in the 2022 World Cup, I may be fired." ”
"The coach will sign a contract for a period of 3 to 5 years. However, if the grades are not good enough, you will still leave. The team's continued sluggish performance has caused Southgate to gradually lose confidence.
Robson pointed out that Southgate is not a good enough manager for England. Southgate is not good enough when it comes to on-the-spot scheduling and how to unleash the potential of players.
In fact, after losing 4-0 to Hungary in June, English fans called on the FA to fire Southgate, with one fan saying, "Why should we be satisfied with the runners-up in the European Championship because we have so many players who have won the Champions League." ”
The blind trust in the heroes of the European Championship and the tactics has left Southgate facing far more questions than answers, and has also forced England, which had dreamed of storming the World Cup, to face the embarrassing situation of not being able to win or even break a goal.
With one defeat after another, Southgate's reputation plummeted. If the Three Lions are once again crushed in the World Cup, then no one can guarantee that Southgate will still keep his position.