Gareth Southgate

[theonlywayisup]

What a decent bloke he is? Think if he could find a World class midfielder then they'll win a major tournament.

[Donegal Hibby]

What a decent bloke he is? Think if he could find a World class midfielder then they'll win a major tournament.
Somebody should tell him Joe Newell is available 😉

[MWHIBBIES]

Dont think Frances midfield were any better than England's tonight. Bellingham is a very special talent too.

[One Day Soon]

Dont think Frances midfield were any better than England's tonight. Bellingham is a very special talent too.

Saka was a real handful.

[andrew70]

What a decent bloke he is? Think if he could find a World class midfielder then they'll win a major tournament.

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are world class. Given their ages they’ll be around for a while.

England were very good tonight but France more clinical. That ball in from Griezmann for Giroud’s goal was delicious.

England will win a tournament soon. The players they have, all in all, are of a very different ilk to previous. The strength in depth is superb too.

[bingo70]

Saka was a real handful.

Never created any chances from open play though did he?

I know he won a penalty but it was one of those annoying ones that if the defender never fouled him, nothing would have happened.

[J-C]

He's too loyal to certain players and tactically at times naive.

[bingo70]

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are world class. Given their ages they’ll be around for a while.

England were very good tonight but France more clinical. That ball in from Griezmann for Giroud’s goal was delicious.

England will win a tournament soon. The players they have, all in all, are of a very different ilk to previous. The strength in depth is superb too.

I don’t see how England were very good tonight? They barely managed a shot on goal from open play? France looked relatively content to let them have the ball and when they had to ramp it up a gear they did.

[He's here!]

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are world class. Given their ages they’ll be around for a while.

England were very good tonight but France more clinical. That ball in from Griezmann for Giroud’s goal was delicious.

England will win a tournament soon. The players they have, all in all, are of a very different ilk to previous. The strength in depth is superb too.

Haven't watched any of the tournament but sounds like England played really well.

As you say their strength in depth is a huge asset and that's testament to a set-up which sees young English players flourish in a league that could so easily be swamped by foreign players.

Southgate's doing a great job IMHO.

[andrew70]

I don’t see how England were very good tonight? They barely managed a shot on goal from open play? France looked relatively content to let them have the ball and when they had to ramp it up a gear they did.

They had more shots on target than France, had the better players, played better football and looked more threatening especially with Saka who was equally as good in recovery.

It was a very enjoyable game the French converted their chances, England were more profligate with theirs.

The World Cup has been extremely good overall.

[theonlywayisup]

Dont think Frances midfield were any better than England's tonight. Bellingham is a very special talent too.


Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are world class. Given their ages they’ll be around for a while.

England were very good tonight but France more clinical. That ball in from Griezmann for Giroud’s goal was delicious.

England will win a tournament soon. The players they have, all in all, are of a very different ilk to previous. The strength in depth is superb too.

So good, they had to rely on two penalties. They're good, very good, but I'm talking World Class like a Modric. Put Modric into this England team and they would have won tonight. Or Griezman.

Mount is very good too.

[andrew70]

Haven't watched any of the tournament but sounds like England played really well.

As you say their strength in depth is a huge asset and that's testament to a set-up which sees young English players flourish in a league that could so easily be swamped by foreign players.

Southgate's doing a great job IMHO.

He is. Takes some amount of stick mind you.

They are in a stick or twist position now though because ultimately he’s come up short again but when you think about it there’s probably not too many better/available to come in if he goes.

[theonlywayisup]

Back to midfielders, none of the current are as good as Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard etc. Don't get me wrong, they are good but not World Class.

[MWHIBBIES]

So good, they had to rely on two penalties. They're good, very good, but I'm talking World Class like a Modric. Put Modric into this England team and they would have won tonight. Or Griezman.

Mount is very good too.

Put one of the best midfield players ever in their side and they'd have won? No way.

Remember Modric got absolutely destroyed by France in 2018. Tonight was significantly closer than that.

[MWHIBBIES]

Back to midfielders, none of the current are as good as Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard etc. Don't get me wrong, they are good but not World Class.

And none of those guys got to a semi or a final.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

England have had world class players and world class Managers, but not at the same time.

[JimBHibees]

Saka was a real handful.

Was staggered he was taken off

[JimBHibees]

Put one of the best midfield players ever in their side and they'd have won? No way.

Remember Modric got absolutely destroyed by France in 2018. Tonight was significantly closer than that.

France midfield was significantly better then than now. Pogba and ****e there tonight France probably win by three

[hibsbollah]

France midfield was significantly better then than now. Pogba and ****e there tonight France probably win by three

Pogba Ngolo and now Tchaoumeni are the best French midfield three.
They’ve done fine with 2 of those 3 out injured.
They also have Griezmann, Camavinga, Guendouzi, Rabiot, Veretout waiting in the wings. I’ll have forgotten some I’m sure.
They just have more talent than England because they still produce better players. And churn out lots of them from Clairfontaine every year.

[LeithMike]

I actually think Southgate holds them back a bit in the same way Martinez has done with Belgium. I think England could have won if they had played an extra creative midfielder - either Foden inside with Grealish on the left or by bringing Maddison in (I think Mount is way overrated).

Their back line still probably isn’t good enough on the ball either to be really top class and they gave it away a lot in the first half.

Thought the subs he made were poor too. That said they looked like they had the beating of France in the second half. I’d be a bit annoyed if I was an England fan that so much attacking talent was kept back.

Bellingham looks a real star. Gets everywhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[One Day Soon]

I actually think Southgate holds them back a bit in the same way Martinez has done with Belgium. I think England could have won if they had played an extra creative midfielder - either Foden inside with Grealish on the left or by bringing Maddison in (I think Mount is way overrated).

Their back line still probably isn’t good enough on the ball either to be really top class and they gave it away a lot in the first half.

Thought the subs he made were poor too. That said they looked like they had the beating of France in the second half. I’d be a bit annoyed if I was an England fan that so much attacking talent was kept back.

Bellingham looks a real star. Gets everywhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


This is what they've always done and what they always do. The FA serially appoint managers who reflect their own innately cautious mindset.

[hibsbollah]

This is what they've always done and what they always do. The FA serially appoint managers who reflect their own innately cautious mindset.

No one has a more cautious mindset than Deschamps.
His players are just that bit better than Englands players.

[cameronw-hfc]

Absolutely woeful manager. Gets by on the fact that a lot of the big Int powers have been average recently, ie, Italy being either class or shocking, Germany and Brazil flattering to deceive, Spain can't seem to score and France+ Argentina are the only real contenders, and even they seem to have massive flaws.

This England team, man for man, is easily God enough to win something. With Southgate, a shocking manager who no prem team has dared to touch, they won't win a thing.

[Brightside]

What a decent bloke he is? Think if he could find a World class midfielder then they'll win a major tournament.

The middle 2 are 2 of the best in the world. A 10 is what they are missing.

[Brightside]

Was staggered he was taken off

That was Southgate big mistake. Saka coming inside started to dominate then they went wide again. I think he’s done a great job with England. This is their level. A chance away from the final stage. Like 8 other teams.

[Is It On....]

What a decent bloke he is? Think if he could find a World class midfielder then they'll win a major tournament.

They need a world class defence....was absolutely delighted when I saw Maguire was starting 🙂

[Glory Lurker]

Lovely guy. Way too good for his country's media.

[Donegal Hibby]

Always feel that England are on the verge of winning something with the players they have who I feel are very good players though something just doesn't click as a team and maybe they can be a bit inconsistent at times too . Against France I thought there was a foul on the English player leading to the first French goal ( big decision went against England imo) fine margins and all that ! . Even though I thought France weren't at there best I felt they just had another gear than England if needed. Close game though and don't really think Southgate is at fault in anyway. As they say s*** happens

[AFKA5814_Hibs]

This was a very good chance for England with the way the competition has opened up. A Quarter Final was the least of their expectation. Always the Bridesmaid never the Bride springs to mind when thinking about England and the tournaments. Never seem to take their chance when others have done so in the past.

[s2hart]

Over the years England have always had the individual players but never could click as a team, I thought the current bunch looked better but same old story.

With regards to world class players if you listen to the English media who keep churning out the same story bigging the players up, if you hear it enough times you can be forgiven to actually believing it.

For what it's worth certainly Bellingham looks like he's on track to be a top top player, the first time I seen Mount play I thought he looked different class but looks like he's not progressed, then again I don't really watch the EPL much these days now.

I can now relax and watch the world Cup now they are out, having lived in England for more than 15 years preciously and the stick I used to get being Scottish especially when it came to sports, I take great pleasure in seeing them fail especially at the last hurdle (Zidane last minute free kick, Lampard goal no goal against Germany, Italy pens in the final name but a few) it's more so the fans and media I dislike the rest I couldn't careless about.

[Pretty Boy]

How any manager can watch that game and decide Saka was the man to take off is beyond me.

The measure of Southgate is where he will end up when he's emptied from England either in the coming days or after the hype then flop at the next Euros. Do you see him at the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Tottenham or even Newcastle now? Not a chance.

[theonlywayisup]

Over the years England have always had the individual players but never could click as a team, I thought the current bunch looked better but same old story.

With regards to world class players if you listen to the English media who keep churning out the same story bigging the players up, if you hear it enough times you can be forgiven to actually believing it.

For what it's worth certainly Bellingham looks like he's on track to be a top top player, the first time I seen Mount play I thought he looked different class but looks like he's not progressed, then again I don't really watch the EPL much these days now.

I can now relax and watch the world Cup now they are out, having lived in England for more than 15 years preciously and the stick I used to get being Scottish especially when it came to sports, I take great pleasure in seeing them fail especially at the last hurdle (Zidane last minute free kick, Lampard goal no goal against Germany, Italy pens in the final name but a few) it's more so the fans and media I dislike the rest I couldn't careless about.

Yes, I think that's the point I'm making. I'm not denying the current crop are good players, but I'm talking World Class. Okay maybe everyone has a different view of what World Class means, but I'm talking about that player who through skill and determination is able to change the flow of the game by their own contribution against the best teams at the final stages of major competitions.

I suppose it's the reverse of Argentina. Take Messi out of this Argentina team and they're effectiveness as a team drops.

I feel with England that their attacking qualities is the best I've ever seen from an England team. They seem to have a conveyor belt of young and ever improving forward players. But I'm not convinced in midfield. Maybe Bellingham will be that player. Very impressed with him and as he said, he'll probably have another four or five World Cups to play in.

[WestCoastHibby]

Going by some peoples reckoning they would have “Big Sam” back with his 100% win record.
Southgate has consistently had England in the latter stages so statistically he’s been superb but maybe he’s only got one campaign at best left in him.
I couldn’t believe he put Sterling on though after recent events

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Never created any chances from open play though did he?

I know he won a penalty but it was one of those annoying ones that if the defender never fouled him, nothing would have happened.

Lol! Just like every foul thats ever been made.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I actually think Southgate holds them back a bit in the same way Martinez has done with Belgium. I think England could have won if they had played an extra creative midfielder - either Foden inside with Grealish on the left or by bringing Maddison in (I think Mount is way overrated).

Their back line still probably isn’t good enough on the ball either to be really top class and they gave it away a lot in the first half.

Thought the subs he made were poor too. That said they looked like they had the beating of France in the second half. I’d be a bit annoyed if I was an England fan that so much attacking talent was kept back.

Bellingham looks a real star. Gets everywhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel sorry for Foden, not at his best last night but a brilliant player. Quite possibly he and Mount could become the new Gerard and Lampard, oh well. 😀

[bingo70]

Lol! Just like every foul thats ever been made.

😂 well that’s true.

I like to think you know what I mean though. The foul wasn’t denying a goal scoring opportunity, it was a clumsy stupid foul that didn’t need to be made and wasn’t posing any threat at the time.

I still don’t think England played well last night. Lots of possession but created very little from open play.

[Carheenlea]

Last night was the fist game I watched of the World Cup and really didn’t see anything to suggest England are anywhere near the top tier of serious contenders to win the tournament.

In that level below where a run to the quarters or if lucky, a semi, is their realistic status in international football. They’re never going to win anything.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

😂 well that’s true.

I like to think you know what I mean though. The foul wasn’t denying a goal scoring opportunity, it was a clumsy stupid foul that didn’t need to be made and wasn’t posing any threat at the time.

I still don’t think England played well last night. Lots of possession but created very little from open play.

I was fearing the worst early in the second half, it all worked out nicely though. 😀

[Pretty Boy]

😂 well that’s true.

I like to think you know what I mean though. The foul wasn’t denying a goal scoring opportunity, it was a clumsy stupid foul that didn’t need to be made and wasn’t posing any threat at the time.

I still don’t think England played well last night. Lots of possession but created very little from open play.

I'm broadly with you.

They were the better sides for long spells but that's largely down to the fact this isn't that great a France team. 2 wins in 10 competitive games in the run up to the WC and missing a few key players. This isn't the team that won the WC 4 and a half years ago.

With the players they have available in attacking positions England should have been winning that game. Their own performances in the lead up to the WC suggest they aren't all that great either though despite the talent at their disposal. They aren't the team that reached the semi final last time out either.

It was an OK performance from England but they came up empty handed and failed to score from open play against an under strength French team that never really got going. I'm not buying the 'heroic lions' stuff that is inevitably coming. In many ways I think the missed penalty works out quite nicely for Southgate and the players in terms of the narrative. It becomes 'penalty heartbreak again' rather than 'imispid performance in the final 3rd'.

[bingo70]

I was fearing the worst early in the second half, it all worked out nicely though. 😀

So was I as I felt all the possession they had was bound to lead to more chances being created. Apart from a couple of self inflicted moments of madness France were comfortable though. When they had to ramp it up a gear they did.

[ronaldo7]

Was staggered he was taken off

He was their danger. He should have played rashford instead of foden who was lost out on the left. He had to come into the middle later on the get involved. If they had griesman in their team the game would have been different.

[weecounty hibby]

They beat Iran and Wales easily as expected. Drew with USA and easily could have lost. Beat Senegal but wasn't as easy as the scoreline suggests. Lost to France. They are in a group who will pretty much always get out the groups but sadly for them, but happily for me, there is always at least 2 or 3 teams who are just better than them

[Key West]

They beat Iran and Wales easily as expected. Drew with USA and easily could have lost. Beat Senegal but wasn't as easy as the scoreline suggests. Lost to France. They are in a group who will pretty much always get out the groups but sadly for them, but happily for me, there is always at least 2 or 3 teams who are just better than them

This is how I saw it, they played nobody until they came up against France, they have good players but definitely not world class.

[DIXIHIBS]

They beat Iran and Wales easily as expected. Drew with USA and easily could have lost. Beat Senegal but wasn't as easy as the scoreline suggests. Lost to France. They are in a group who will pretty much always get out the groups but sadly for them, but happily for me, there is always at least 2 or 3 teams who are just better than them


Its always the same. They qualify for nearly all tournament finals. They regularly beat teams they are expected to beat but fall short against the top level teams...every time. You would think the english media/pundits would see this but they constantly talk them up as winners. A good team, but thankfully not good enough.

[RyeSloan]

Its always the same. They qualify for nearly all tournament finals. They regularly beat teams they are expected to beat but fall short against the top level teams...every time. You would think the english media/pundits would see this but they constantly talk them up as winners. A good team, but thankfully not good enough.

Honestly I think that team is more than good enough.

Football is a fickle game and sometimes you need the chips to fall in the right way.

On the flip side small margins in terms of belief and coaching can make all the difference and I’m far from convinced Southgate is giving them that.

Players of that quality can, to some degree, play themselves. Top international managers add that extra bit of nuance and guile. Someone suggested Southgate is to England what Martinez is to Belgium and I’d agree. Both ‘know the game’ neither brought what was actually needed to get a talented group to win.

[LeithMike]

The middle 2 are 2 of the best in the world. A 10 is what they are missing.

Foden, Grealish, Maddison?! They’ve got an abundance of 10s. Pep has said he would be playing Foden as a 10 but he’s got the legs for out wide and he has Silva and KDB in the centre.

I really like Jordan Henderson and he brings a lot to the team but his selection showed Southgate’s cautious nature. It really is a blown opportunity.

England certainly have the attacking talent. Still think their defenders aren’t good enough on the ball though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rumble de Thump]

England aren't particularly good, which their Nations League campaign highlighted. And they lost to the first decent team they came up against in the World Cup. France didn't even play well.

[J-C]

England's defence are the weak link, Maguire and Stones are bang average for that level and Southgate is far too cautious a manager to ever win anything. Rashford who's back to his best again and scoring sitting on the bench, a very in form Maddison not even getting on the pitch all tournament, Southgate again showed too much loyalty to players out of form like Mount and Sterling.

[hibby rae]

I'm broadly with you.

They were the better sides for long spells but that's largely down to the fact this isn't that great a France team. 2 wins in 10 competitive games in the run up to the WC and missing a few key players. This isn't the team that won the WC 4 and a half years ago.

With the players they have available in attacking positions England should have been winning that game. Their own performances in the lead up to the WC suggest they aren't all that great either though despite the talent at their disposal. They aren't the team that reached the semi final last time out either.

It was an OK performance from England but they came up empty handed and failed to score from open play against an under strength French team that never really got going. I'm not buying the 'heroic lions' stuff that is inevitably coming. In many ways I think the missed penalty works out quite nicely for Southgate and the players in terms of the narrative. It becomes 'penalty heartbreak again' rather than 'imispid performance in the final 3rd'.

The narrative is already forming, it was the ref (despite the two pens).

Works well though cause Southgate avoids criticism and he's bot good enough to win anything with, what I think, is the best England squad of the last 30 years

[B.H.F.C]

Same story, come up against a proper team and they can’t get over the line.

Heard a stat the other day that, since they won the World Cup, they’ve only beaten a team ranked above them once in the competition (Argentina in 2002).

For me, a lot of their players just aren’t as good as they’d have you think.

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

England's (and by default Southgate's) inherent cautiousness lost them the match last night as much as any referee decision or missed pen

They had a spell where they were well on top and saka was causing no end of bother. What did they do? Take him off and left on Foden and Henderson/Rice. Bizarre

The pundits were buzzing they got France as it gave them a ready made excuse of losing to the world champions

France weren't great last night and were missing key players so England had a fantastic opportunity. Coming away saying "well we played good and didn't get the breaks" is loser mentality

[Scouse Hibee]

The best England manager in my lifetime, easy to criticise selections, substitutions etc when it goes wrong. Will likely pack in now, has brought me plenty of joy watching England even if we have never actually managed to complete the job. His successor will have a hard act to follow.

[LeithMike]

The best England manager in my lifetime, easy to criticise selections, substitutions etc when it goes wrong. Will likely pack in now, has brought me plenty of joy watching England even if we have never actually managed to complete the job. His successor will have a hard act to follow.

He’s certainly done a great job bringing through young players and capping them early. He’s had a long term plan which has been good and he’s clearly a really decent chap. He’s left a really good platform but just think if they’d been more positive they would not be out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The Modfather]

He’s certainly done a great job bringing through young players and capping them early. He’s had a long term plan which has been good and he’s clearly a really decent chap. He’s left a really good platform but just think if they’d been more positive they would not be out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

With a core team of Stones and Walker in a back 4. Bellingham & Fodden in Midfield. Saka out on the right and Harry Kane up front that’s some foundation. Probably add Pickford to that as well, it’s an enviable foundation as a starting point. I could see Guardiola winning a trophy or two if he was England manager, perish the thought.

I like Southgate, and annoyingly it’s quite a likeable England team as well, but think he’s taken them as far as he ever will. He’s been a good fit for England. He’s suited to international football IMO, particularly if allowed to start a “project” from the ground up. Think his stock will quickly fall if he goes back into club football.

[Tyler Durden]

How any manager can watch that game and decide Saka was the man to take off is beyond me.

The measure of Southgate is where he will end up when he's emptied from England either in the coming days or after the hype then flop at the next Euros. Do you see him at the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Tottenham or even Newcastle now? Not a chance.

It’s not really relevant IMO. The international game is a sideshow for elite managers.

Of course Southgate isn’t going to a top club after this… would he even want to? None of the managers in the final 4 would be considered top coaches (obviously Deschamps would make history but it’s about the players) and they’re unlikely to go into top club jobs either.

If England sack him tomorrow, there won’t be a list of top class coaches interested in the job.

[Sir David Gray]

Same story, come up against a proper team and they can’t get over the line.

Heard a stat the other day that, since they won the World Cup, they’ve only beaten a team ranked above them once in the competition (Argentina in 2002).

For me, a lot of their players just aren’t as good as they’d have you think.

Yep and that was in the group stages.

Think the last time they beat a higher ranked side in the knockout stages of a tournament was at Euro 96 (Spain).

[Donegal Hibby]

Leading up to the first French goal there was a foul on a English player which imo should have resulted in a free kick to England but the penalty that they didn't get was never a penalty it was clearly outside the box , I'm surprised how many in media and fans thought it was .

[Auckland Hibs]

Leading up to the first French goal there was a foul on a English player which imo should have resulted in a free kick to England but the penalty that they didn't get was never a penalty it was clearly outside the box , I'm surprised how many in media and fans thought it was .

This was my take also. Wonder if VAR decided if it was a foul for the penalty they didn't get I.e. no decision as it was outside the box.

[Donegal Hibby]

This was my take also. Wonder if VAR decided if it was a foul for the penalty they didn't get I.e. no decision as it was outside the box.
I think VAR can only be used on penalty decision's and once it was looked at and they saw it was outside the box VAR wouldn't be able to make a decision on it though England should have had a free kick in a dangerous position. There was also a foul leading up to the first French goal which was missed too . The Referee came into a lot of criticism for both incidents now I can't remember did he have a good position to see both but surely the linesman should have helped him out with two fouls that England got nothing for ! It was never a penalty but was a free kick imo .

[MWHIBBIES]

It’s not really relevant IMO. The international game is a sideshow for elite managers.

Of course Southgate isn’t going to a top club after this… would he even want to? None of the managers in the final 4 would be considered top coaches (obviously Deschamps would make history but it’s about the players) and they’re unlikely to go into top club jobs either.

If England sack him tomorrow, there won’t be a list of top class coaches interested in the job.

Deschamps is actually a very decent club manager. But you're absolutely spot on, they require entirely different skill sets. Pep would struggle only working with the players 8 weeks a year. It's much more about team spirit, players strengths, managing a squad etc that genius tactics imo. Capello and Sven both had top jobs and England squads full of world class players. Both were significantly worse than Southgate.

[Donegal Hibby]

The best England manager in my lifetime, easy to criticise selections, substitutions etc when it goes wrong. Will likely pack in now, has brought me plenty of joy watching England even if we have never actually managed to complete the job. His successor will have a hard act to follow.
Was reading a article in the sun that Betfair have odds up on next England manager should Southgate leave potter and Howie are the two favourites also Gerard and Rodgers in betting list .Found it quite interesting that Southgate has a 61.3 % win rate at England which is quite high and maybe he should stay on ?

[Key West]

The best England manager in my lifetime, easy to criticise selections, substitutions etc when it goes wrong. Will likely pack in now, has brought me plenty of joy watching England even if we have never actually managed to complete the job. His successor will have a hard act to follow.

For what it is worth I think he has done his job, he can’t legislate for the normally reliable Kane smashing a penalty over the bar and it isn’t like he’s left out players that would have made a great difference, England are not blessed with a terrific defence and that might ultimately have been their downfall had they progressed to the final. The problem for him continuing is that the fans and the media given what has been happening would have seen this as a real opportunity to win the World Cup. Only an opinion.

[Iain G]

For what it is worth I think he has done his job, he can’t legislate for the normally reliable Kane smashing a penalty over the bar and it isn’t like he’s left out players that would have made a great difference, England are not blessed with a terrific defence and that might ultimately have been their downfall had they progressed to the final. The problem for him continuing is that the fans and the media given what has been happening would have seen this as a real opportunity to win the World Cup. Only an opinion.

He took Saka off when he was the main threat which still seems a bad decision for me. Unless there was an injury it was insane to remove him as he was the one drawing fouls and running at players.

[Key West]

He took Saka off when he was the main threat which still seems a bad decision for me. Unless there was an injury it was insane to remove him as he was the one drawing fouls and running at players.


I wouldn’t have taken him off either but there might have been a reason, who knows but him.

[J-C]

He took Saka off when he was the main threat which still seems a bad decision for me. Unless there was an injury it was insane to remove him as he was the one drawing fouls and running at players.


He also left a back in form Rashford on the bench and gave zero time to the most in form midfielder in the EPL, Maddison but chose to play an out of form Sterling instead.

[1875Sean]

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are world class. Given their ages they’ll be around for a while.

England were very good tonight but France more clinical. That ball in from Griezmann for Giroud’s goal was delicious.

England will win a tournament soon. The players they have, all in all, are of a very different ilk to previous. The strength in depth is superb too.

Rice is nowhere near world class, one of the most overrated players in that league, if he wasn’t English he wouldn’t get as hyped up as much

[HoboHarry]

Rice is nowhere near world class, one of the most overrated players in that league, if he wasn’t English he wouldn’t get as hyped up as much

Glad it's not just me. I've watched games with Rice getting gobs of praise and honestly wondered what I was missing.

[EdinMike]

Like a few have said, I genuinely like him, he’s honest and I think he deserves another crack at a Euro. It’s up to him really.

[JimBHibees]

He also left a back in form Rashford on the bench and gave zero time to the most in form midfielder in the EPL, Maddison but chose to play an out of form Sterling instead.

Rashford should have come on for Foden. Saka should have stayed on.

[Iain G]

Rice is nowhere near world class, one of the most overrated players in that league, if he wasn’t English he wouldn’t get as hyped up as much

Yeah if he had stayed Irish he wouldn't be getting the same level of hyperbole thrown at him as he gets playing for ingerlund.

[neil7908]

Yeah if he had stayed Irish he wouldn't be getting the same level of hyperbole thrown at him as he gets playing for ingerlund.

Yup. He's a good or very good player and will probably go for £100m at some point but then Grealish is also a £100m and we all know how that has turned out.

Bellingham on the other hand is already brilliant and when you look at his age and the fact he's performing in big Champions League and World Cup games - wow.

[Colr]

Stat in the Guardian. Southgate has won 6 knock out games in his time as boss.

That’s the same number that England won in the previous 48 years.

[Greenbeard]

Was reading a article in the sun that Betfair have odds up on next England manager should Southgate leave potter and Howie are the two favourites also Gerard and Rodgers in betting list .Found it quite interesting that Southgate has a 61.3 % win rate at England which is quite high and maybe he should stay on ?
:faf:

[hibby rae]

Stat in the Guardian. Southgate has won 6 knock out games in his time as boss.

That’s the same number that England won in the previous 48 years.

I'd argue it shows how jammy they have been in the teams they've been drawn against in the last tournaments.

[Since452]

I'm very comfortable with Southgate remaining as manager. I hope he does. They wont win anything with him in charge. Failed in the QF against the first real test they had in the WC and couldn't win the Euros with home advantage in every game. Nice guy though.

[Scouse Hibee]

I'd argue it shows how jammy they have been in the teams they've been drawn against in the last tournaments.

I’d argue that’s a load of pish and that Southgate has been a great England manager.

[macca70]

No doubting he has a decent record but when you look at all the games he's won at the Euro Champs and World Cup, all games England were favourites to win plus most their Euro games they had home advantage.

They have never won any of the 50/50 games such as Saturday against France or the Euro Final against Italy.

Southgate seems too risk averse, maybe needs to release the handbrake a bit, with all the fire power at his disposal, maybe just worry less about conceding and be more positive, certainly with his subs.

[Pretty Boy]

I'd argue it shows how jammy they have been in the teams they've been drawn against in the last tournaments.

England have undoubtedly had a fairly tame run of fixtures at major tournaments in recent times. Since they lost to Portugal at Germany 06 they have beaten the following teams at major tournaments:

Slovenia (South Africa), Sweden (Poland-UKraine), Ukraine (Poland-Ukraine), Wales (France), Tunisia (Russia), Panama (Russia) Colombia (Russia), Sweden (Russia), Croatia (Europe), Czech Republic (Europe), Germany (Europe), Ukraine (Europe), Denmark (Europe), Iran (Qatar), Wales (Qatar) and Senegal (Qatar)

They have drawn with:

USA (South Africa), Algeria (South Africa), France (Poland-Ukraine), Costa Rica (Brazil), Russia (France), Slovakia (France), Scotland (Europe) and USA (Qatar)

And lost to:

Germany (South Africa), Italy (Poland-Ukraine), Italy (Brazil), Uruguay (Brazil), Iceland (France), Belgium (Russia), Croatia (Russia), Italy (Europe) and France (Qatar)

In that 1st list how many genuine top class teams are there? Croatia in 2021 is a fair shout, historically you would say Germany but that Germany team would be a stretch. Possibly Colombia in 2018 as well. The bottom list, with the exception of Iceland, is all top tier teams and they have come up short every single time. Now ultimately you can only beat what is put in front of you but I don't think it can really be argued that both before Southgate and with Southgate England are still found wanting when it comes to the really big tests.

[hibby rae]

England have undoubtedly had a fairly tame run of fixtures at major tournaments in recent times. Since they lost to Portugal at Germany 06 they have beaten the following teams at major tournaments:

Slovenia (South Africa), Sweden (Poland-UKraine), Ukraine (Poland-Ukraine), Wales (France), Tunisia (Russia), Panama (Russia) Colombia (Russia), Sweden (Russia), Croatia (Europe), Czech Republic (Europe), Germany (Europe), Ukraine (Europe), Denmark (Europe), Iran (Qatar), Wales (Qatar) and Senegal (Qatar)

They have drawn with:

USA (South Africa), Algeria (South Africa), France (Poland-Ukraine), Costa Rica (Brazil), Russia (France), Slovakia (France), Scotland (Europe) and USA (Qatar)

And lost to:

Germany (South Africa), Italy (Poland-Ukraine), Italy (Brazil), Uruguay (Brazil), Iceland (France), Belgium (Russia), Croatia (Russia), Italy (Europe) and France (Qatar)

In that 1st list how many genuine top class teams are there? Croatia in 2021 is a fair shout, historically you would say Germany but that Germany team would be a stretch. Possibly Colombia in 2018 as well. The bottom list, with the exception of Iceland, is all top tier teams and they have come up short every single time. Now ultimately you can only beat what is put in front of you but I don't think it can really be argued that both before Southgate and with Southgate England are still found wanting when it comes to the really big tests.

I saw someone say they are a good QF team, who will sometimes go above that level, and that seems like a fair assessment.

You see some England fans refuse to acknowledge a rivalry with us, and if you are looking purely at tournament performance that would be fair. However, I doubt the same fans would acknowledge that that logic means they are not the rivals of France, Germany, Italy, Spain etc.

You'd probably have to put England in the Czechia, Denmark, maybe Netherlands bracket.

[Greenbeard]

England have undoubtedly had a fairly tame run of fixtures at major tournaments in recent times. Since they lost to Portugal at Germany 06 they have beaten the following teams at major tournaments:

Slovenia (South Africa), Sweden (Poland-UKraine), Ukraine (Poland-Ukraine), Wales (France), Tunisia (Russia), Panama (Russia) Colombia (Russia), Sweden (Russia), Croatia (Europe), Czech Republic (Europe), Germany (Europe), Ukraine (Europe), Denmark (Europe), Iran (Qatar), Wales (Qatar) and Senegal (Qatar)

They have drawn with:

USA (South Africa), Algeria (South Africa), France (Poland-Ukraine), Costa Rica (Brazil), Russia (France), Slovakia (France), Scotland (Europe) and USA (Qatar)

And lost to:

Germany (South Africa), Italy (Poland-Ukraine), Italy (Brazil), Uruguay (Brazil), Iceland (France), Belgium (Russia), Croatia (Russia), Italy (Europe) and France (Qatar)

In that 1st list how many genuine top class teams are there? Croatia in 2021 is a fair shout, historically you would say Germany but that Germany team would be a stretch. Possibly Colombia in 2018 as well. The bottom list, with the exception of Iceland, is all top tier teams and they have come up short every single time. Now ultimately you can only beat what is put in front of you but I don't think it can really be argued that both before Southgate and with Southgate England are still found wanting when it comes to the really big tests.
Very interesting analysis and can't be argued with. However most of it is totally irrelevant in assessing Southgate and this current England squad which is as good as I have seen. Some might say the Lineker/Gascoigne/Butcher team was better, however, the modesty of the current manager and the bulk of the players wins me over compared to other generations.

[I'm Spartacus]

On the 'Should I stay or should I go' decision he seems to have, the fact there's any doubt means he should go. Maybe he's putting the feelers out for a 4 year Premier League gig, stay the 18 months and fail at the Euros.

I think I could achieve what he has, he's hardly Pep.

[Scouse Hibee]

On the 'Should I stay or should I go' decision he seems to have, the fact there's any doubt means he should go. Maybe he's putting the feelers out for a 4 year Premier League gig, stay the 18 months and fail at the Euros.

I think I could achieve what he has, he's hardly Pep.

And you’re hardly Southgate, been a great manager for England, I very much doubt you would be as good.

[Springbank]

His best result was 0-0 v Scotland

[Yorkshire HFC]

On the 'Should I stay or should I go' decision he seems to have, the fact there's any doubt means he should go. Maybe he's putting the feelers out for a 4 year Premier League gig, stay the 18 months and fail at the Euros.

I think I could achieve what he has, he's hardly Pep.

LOL.

Apart from good results, he’s transformed the culture of the team - the team are now popular. It’s not just hooligans who follow them any more - a big change.

[BILLYHIBS]

I thought he was over cautious and got what he deserved

The 0-0 with USA was insipid

Could not see that his team was crying out for the youth of Foden until the third game

Under used an inform Rashford and did not use Maddison

Only played Kane as an out an out striker till the last game

Reminded me a bit of Hecky

Delighted they are out 😀

[MWHIBBIES]

I thought he was over cautious and got what he deserved

The 0-0 with USA was insipid

Could not see that his team was crying out for the youth of Foden until the third game

Under used an inform Rashford and did not use Maddison

Only played Kane as an out an out striker till the last game

Reminded me a bit of Hecky

Delighted they are out 😀

I mean, they won 3-0 twice and 6-2 once. Wish Hibs were so cautious. He maybe didn't make subs quick enough but there is no way to play Foden and Maddison together, and certainly no way to play Maddison, Rashford and Foden.

Think he done a really solid job, and lost to a deflected header and a missed penalty.

[Since452]

I mean, they won 3-0 twice and 6-2 once. Wish Hibs were so cautious. He maybe didn't make subs quick enough but there is no way to play Foden and Maddison together, and certainly no way to play Maddison, Rashford and Foden.

Think he done a really solid job, and lost to a deflected header and a missed penalty.

In reality they needed two penalties to get anywhere near France. They are a level behind them.

[BILLYHIBS]

I mean, they won 3-0 twice and 6-2 once. Wish Hibs were so cautious. He maybe didn't make subs quick enough but there is no way to play Foden and Maddison together, and certainly no way to play Maddison, Rashford and Foden.

Think he done a really solid job, and lost to a deflected header and a missed penalty.

Fair enough MWH

Think I am really pissed that I had them to destroy USA but they barely crossed the half way line

It was like watching Germany v Austria but maybes that was before your time

Obviously game group management came into play

Still found some of his decisions baffling

What did he expect Grealish to do in 28 seconds against the French

Also the midfield wonderkid the revitalised Jordan Henderson did not make one tackle against the French according to Sky Bet

Will be surprised if he stays

[MWHIBBIES]

In reality they needed two penalties to get anywhere near France. They are a level behind them.

If England are a level behind France, everyone is. Was very little in the match. I dislike England and im glad they lost but it was a very close match, nonsense to say otherwise.

[BILLYHIBS]

If England are a level behind France, everyone is. Was very little in the match. I dislike England and im glad they lost but it was a very close match, nonsense to say otherwise.
Did not say it wasn’t a close match

Giroooooo should have scored before he scored and Mbappe even although always surrounded by three white shirts set up the number 8 brilliantly for the opener

Struggling to think of any English chances tbh apart from spurious claims for penalties and free kicks some given some not given

How many penalties do England want ?

Fine margins but yes it was a close game

[Since90+2]

England only got close to France as the French were literally missing half their team, including the ballon d'Or winner.

Imagine the roles were reversed and England were missing 5 first picks and France had literally a full squad to pick from, as England did? France would have won the game comfortably.

That was England's best chance and Southgate couldn't get them over the line.

[MWHIBBIES]

England only got close to France as the French were literally missing half their team, including the ballon d'Or winner.

Imagine the roles were reversed and England were missing 5 first picks and France had literally a full squad to pick from, as England did? France would have won the game comfortably.

That was England's best chance and Southgate couldn't get them over the line.

France had all those guys at the Euros and lost to Swiss. Clearly a better side with Giroud instead of Benzema. They won the world cup without Benzema.

Ka/nte doesn't score the first goal if hes in for Tchoumeni IMO.

Giroud in for Benzema scores the winner.

Theo in for his brother gives away a penalty.

Really would've been a totally different match with 5 different players in, really tough to say if France actually benefit from a few of them being fit.


Did not say it wasn’t a close match

Giroooooo should have scored before he scored and Mbappe even although always surrounded by three white shirts set up the number 8 brilliantly for the opener

Struggling to think of any English chances tbh apart from spurious claims for penalties and free kicks some given some not given

How many penalties do England want ?

Fine margins but yes it was a close game

Slabhead free header his the post. Saka had a good chance. Lloris made a world class save from Bellingham.

[Since90+2]

France had all those guys at the Euros and lost to Swiss. Clearly a better side with Giroud instead of Benzema. They won the world cup without Benzema.

Ka/nte doesn't score the first goal if hes in for Tchoumeni IMO.

Giroud in for Benzema scores the winner.

Theo in for his brother gives away a penalty.

Really would've been a totally different match with 5 different players in, really tough to say if France actually benefit from a few of them being fit.



Slabhead free header his the post. Saka had a good chance. Lloris made a world class save from Bellingham.

Aye, France are a better side with inferior players in their team.

Jeez man, could start an argument in an empty hoose.

[WeeRussell]

Aye, France are a better side with inferior players in their team.

Jeez man, could start an argument in an empty hoose.

😂 lucky for them they didn’t have ****e and Benzema (two of the best players in their positions in the world) available.

You’d think a fit ****e would have made a big difference to their less than perfect midfield in that game.

Edit: Just realised you can’t say can’t on here 👍

[MWHIBBIES]

Aye, France are a better side with inferior players in their team.

Jeez man, could start an argument in an empty hoose.Ah yeah, someone disagreed with you, time to be rude to them.


�� lucky for them they didn’t have ****e and Benzema (two of the best players in their positions in the world) available.

You’d think a fit ****e would have made a big difference to their less than perfect midfield in that game.

Edit: Just realised you can’t say can’t on here ��

Yes, truly impossible in this one off match it benefited them to have the replacements in.

With Benzema - won nothing

With Giroud - world cup, world cup semi, Euro final

No one said they weren't great players or wouldn't make the team better. Show me Ka/nte smacking one in from 30 yards in the world cup, though. I'll wait.

I really should've known better in fairness. Sorry.

England bad, haha, England out, lucky to even score 1, hur dur. Am I doing it right?

[BILLYHIBS]

France had all those guys at the Euros and lost to Swiss. Clearly a better side with Giroud instead of Benzema. They won the world cup without Benzema.

Ka/nte doesn't score the first goal if hes in for Tchoumeni IMO.

Giroud in for Benzema scores the winner.

Theo in for his brother gives away a penalty.

Really would've been a totally different match with 5 different players in, really tough to say if France actually benefit from a few of them being fit.



Slabhead free header his the post. Saka had a good chance. Lloris made a world class save from Bellingham.

Giroooo shot in 9 minutes luckily deflected past his post by Stones

Giroooo glorious header straight into Pickford’s arms 11 minutes

Tchouameni scores from open play 17 minutes

29 minutes good effort from Kane 30 yards out

39 minutes Mbappe sends an easy chance from the penalty spot miles over the crossbar

47 minutes Lloris tips Bellingham’s screamer from distance over the crossbar

52 minutes Kane scores from the spot

55 minutes Pickford pulls off a brilliant save from Rabiot

61 minutes two tame shots from Kane and Saka straight at Lloris

70 minutes tame header from Slaphead hits the outside of the post on the way past

75 Girooo header flashes past the post

77 point blank wonder save from Pickford as he turns a Goroooo volley out for a corner

78 minutes Girooo scores

82 minutes Kane misses pen

101 minutes Rashford hits the top of the net with a freekick

France still had the better of the chances even with a weakened team

[WeeRussell]

Ah yeah, someone disagreed with you, time to be rude to them.



Yes, truly impossible in this one off match it benefited them to have the replacements in.

With Benzema - won nothing

With Giroud - world cup, world cup semi, Euro final

No one said they weren't great players or wouldn't make the team better. Show me Ka/nte smacking one in from 30 yards in the world cup, though. I'll wait.

I really should've known better in fairness. Sorry.

England bad, haha, England out, lucky to even score 1, hur dur. Am I doing it right?

It’s not like you to open by reprimanding someone for supposedly being rude, and then close by being rude..

“Nobody said they wouldn’t make the team better”.. didn’t you just say they’re “clearly” a better team without Benzema?

Tcoumeni is the only player to score that goal in the World Cup. It doesn’t mean he’s now better than every other midfielder in the world. Nor does Giroud’s record mean that England accomplished more by beating France without Benzema.

I really should have put ‘in my opinion’ at the end of the last post though to make clear it is only that and not intended to start one of those inane and boring arguments where you are inevitably right by default.

[MWHIBBIES]

It’s not like you to open by reprimanding someone for supposedly being rude, and then close by being rude..

“Nobody said they wouldn’t make the team better”.. didn’t you just say they’re “clearly” a better team without Benzema?

Tcoumeni is the only player to score that goal in the World Cup. It doesn’t mean he’s now better than every other midfielder in the world. Nor does Giroud’s record mean that England accomplished more by beating France without Benzema.

I really should have put ‘in my opinion’ at the end of the last post though to make clear it is only that and not intended to start one of those inane and boring arguments where you are inevitably right by default.

You're right. Zero evidence they're better without Benzema. Would probably have won 5 or 6 with him in the side.

No one said he was better. I spoke about this specific match.

Boring conversation. I should've just joined the circle jerk. England bad, France good.

[blackpoolhibs]

France would have won 4-0 with their missing players in.

France would have lost had they had their missing players available.

That's my guesses on the result.

France won with the players they did have available, these are the facts.

[Greenbeard]

In reality they needed two penalties to get anywhere near France. They are a level behind them.
Did you actually watch the game? Or were you doing the ironing with it on in the background?

[Scouse Hibee]

Did you actually watch the game? Or were you doing the ironing with it on in the background?

Think he/she was doing the ironing with Tartan tinted glasses on. 😀

[BILLYHIBS]

Gareth Southgate to remain as England Manager until after Euro 2024

His current contract due to expire December 2024

BBC Sport

[hibsbollah]

England have undoubtedly had a fairly tame run of fixtures at major tournaments in recent times. Since they lost to Portugal at Germany 06 they have beaten the following teams at major tournaments:

Slovenia (South Africa), Sweden (Poland-UKraine), Ukraine (Poland-Ukraine), Wales (France), Tunisia (Russia), Panama (Russia) Colombia (Russia), Sweden (Russia), Croatia (Europe), Czech Republic (Europe), Germany (Europe), Ukraine (Europe), Denmark (Europe), Iran (Qatar), Wales (Qatar) and Senegal (Qatar)

They have drawn with:

USA (South Africa), Algeria (South Africa), France (Poland-Ukraine), Costa Rica (Brazil), Russia (France), Slovakia (France), Scotland (Europe) and USA (Qatar)

And lost to:

Germany (South Africa), Italy (Poland-Ukraine), Italy (Brazil), Uruguay (Brazil), Iceland (France), Belgium (Russia), Croatia (Russia), Italy (Europe) and France (Qatar)

In that 1st list how many genuine top class teams are there? Croatia in 2021 is a fair shout, historically you would say Germany but that Germany team would be a stretch. Possibly Colombia in 2018 as well. The bottom list, with the exception of Iceland, is all top tier teams and they have come up short every single time. Now ultimately you can only beat what is put in front of you but I don't think it can really be argued that both before Southgate and with Southgate England are still found wanting when it comes to the really big tests.

:agree: I think if you include Colombia as a top team then, personally I think they had great players then and that counts as an achievement for Southgate, you have to say his record when coming up against top class sides in the final stages of competition is W1 L8.

[Scouse Hibee]

Gareth Southgate to remain as England Manager until after Euro 2024

His current contract due to expire December 2024

BBC Sport

Delighted with that news, was hoping he would stay on.

[theonlywayisup]

I do think England have improved a lot since they under-achieved with the golden generation of Lampard, Gerard, Beckham etc. When you look at the talent that they have had they should have been doing better than quarter-finals.

Now they have a new generation of exciting talent and are getting to semi-final and finals, but they still are lacking something when compared to the top teams that always rise to the top.

When you think that Brazil (5), Germany (4), Italy (4), Argentina (3) & France (2) have all had great teams but that something extra special that England never seem to have when it gets to the final stages of the tournament.

I think Southgate and England have done exceptionally well, but they now need to find that something special and (maybe) release the hand-brake when they play the better teams.

[Smartie]

Delighted with that news, was hoping he would stay on.

He’s a good manager, a good man and he’s served you well.

In my opinion he deserves this and you have a dangerous team developing under him.

[heretoday]

Southgate is an excellent manager for England. He'll take them so far, but not to any silverware.

[The Baldmans Comb]

Southgate is an irrelevance as no management structure can compensate for the fundamental English weaknesses of exceptionalism or lack of mental strength either individually or collectively.

Hoddle didn't even bother to have them practice penalties in France 1998 and Batty had to step up and take the final one for the first time in his life.

Pearce and Waddle completely bottled it in Italia 1990 as did Kane last week and Beckham really did believe his own press until the going got tough with his joke of a miss or his arrogant kick out at Simeone.

Even when they are very much on top in a crucial game and playing well such as West Germany 0:2 1970, Croatia 0:1 2018 or Italy 0:1 2022 they will freeze up and lose control of the game as they collectively can't handle the pressure.

Every tournament ends the same way blaming either bad referees, so called lottery shoot outs which are anything but and oh never mind as we have great young players for the future.

This inbuilt arrogant culture always fails to allow them to either recognise or address the fundamental reason why they always lose which is their own huge mental weakness when put under real pressure.

Something of a real shame for most of their impressive fans who have a deep love and knowledge of football but who follow the biggest underachievers by a massive distance in world football.

[He's here!]

Southgate is an excellent manager for England. He'll take them so far, but not to any silverware.

Think he'll be in with a serious shout of winning the next Euros. He's got some terrific young players at his disposal, manages them very well and they're yet to reach their peak.

[superfurryhibby]

Southgate is an excellent manager for England. He'll take them so far, but not to any silverware.

Losing a final on penalties is pretty much as far is it goes without the actual winning.

He's done a fantastic job with England.

[ekhibee]

England have undoubtedly had a fairly tame run of fixtures at major tournaments in recent times. Since they lost to Portugal at Germany 06 they have beaten the following teams at major tournaments:

Slovenia (South Africa), Sweden (Poland-UKraine), Ukraine (Poland-Ukraine), Wales (France), Tunisia (Russia), Panama (Russia) Colombia (Russia), Sweden (Russia), Croatia (Europe), Czech Republic (Europe), Germany (Europe), Ukraine (Europe), Denmark (Europe), Iran (Qatar), Wales (Qatar) and Senegal (Qatar)

They have drawn with:

USA (South Africa), Algeria (South Africa), France (Poland-Ukraine), Costa Rica (Brazil), Russia (France), Slovakia (France), Scotland (Europe) and USA (Qatar)

And lost to:

Germany (South Africa), Italy (Poland-Ukraine), Italy (Brazil), Uruguay (Brazil), Iceland (France), Belgium (Russia), Croatia (Russia), Italy (Europe) and France (Qatar)

In that 1st list how many genuine top class teams are there? Croatia in 2021 is a fair shout, historically you would say Germany but that Germany team would be a stretch. Possibly Colombia in 2018 as well. The bottom list, with the exception of Iceland, is all top tier teams and they have come up short every single time. Now ultimately you can only beat what is put in front of you but I don't think it can really be argued that both before Southgate and with Southgate England are still found wanting when it comes to the really big tests.

Don't forget, before Southgate came along England had a **** record against Sweden and were losing to teams like Iceland. Southgate has done alright, he's taken them further than any other England coach for over 50 years. I am not and never will be an England fan, but for me he's still been a good coach. So far.

[Lancs Harp]

As an Englishman Im disgusted at the level of pro English support of the team and manager expressed on this site. Plastic Scots :) what on earth are you thinking?

[hibby rae]

As an Englishman Im disgusted at the level of pro English support of the team and manager expressed on this site. Plastic Scots :) what on earth are you thinking?

I'm delighted to see him stay, I think he's not a good coach at all so look forwards to another QF exit in Germany before he's out the door! :greengrin:greengrin

[jacomo]

Don't forget, before Southgate came along England had a **** record against Sweden and were losing to teams like Iceland. Southgate has done alright, he's taken them further than any other England coach for over 50 years. I am not and never will be an England fan, but for me he's still been a good coach. So far.


:agree:

Senegal are Africa champions and England made them look very ordinary. They pushed France hard.