Gareth Southgate’s path to potentially leading the England national team to victory at Euro 2024 has been marked by twists and turns. Once a figure of ridicule due to his penalty miss in the Euro ’96 semifinal, Southgate has transformed himself into a national treasure. Despite the shadow of that moment still hanging over him, he has managed to outshine most of his predecessors in his role as the England manager.
Living with the Past
The penalty shootout miss against Germany in 1996 continues to be a defining moment in Southgate’s career. Even after reaching two finals and a semifinal as a manager, the memory of that miss still lingers. While sources close to Southgate describe him as “relaxed and philosophical” about it now, the scar remains. The constant reminder from the media and public makes it difficult for him to fully shake it off.
Southgate’s journey hasn’t been without its share of ups and downs. From being pelted with plastic beer glasses by disgruntled supporters to facing criticism for team selection and tactics, he has weathered the storm. Despite the challenges, Southgate has managed to maintain a sense of humor and level-headedness, even using his past failures as material for a TV commercial.
As Southgate stands on the brink of potentially leading England to European glory, the narrative of his career takes on a new meaning. Winning the Euro 2024 final against Spain would not only be a crowning moment for him but also a chance to bury the ghosts of Euro ’96. The love and affection he has sought from fans might finally come his way with a victorious campaign.
Building a Winning Team
Since taking over as manager in 2016, Southgate has focused on rebuilding the England squad. His tough decisions, like ending Wayne Rooney’s international career and omitting troublesome players from the squad, have paid off. By giving chances to young talents and making bold tactical changes, he has transformed the Three Lions into genuine contenders on the international stage.
The upcoming Euro 2024 final against Spain is not just a chance for Southgate to add a major title to his resume but also an opportunity to rewrite his legacy. By leading England to victory, he can finally put to rest the demons of the past and solidify his place in English football history. Regardless of the outcome, Gareth Southgate’s impact on the national team and the sport as a whole is undeniable.