Is it time for England to deliver at a major tournament?
After years of disappointment, England’s national football team is on the brink of greatness. With Euro 2024 looming, all eyes are on manager Gareth Southgate and his talented squad. But the question remains – can they finally deliver at a major tournament?
Southgate, who took over in 2016, has overseen a dramatic change in fortunes for the Three Lions. Under his leadership, they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and came agonizingly close to lifting the Euro 2020 trophy on home soil. This has raised expectations for the upcoming Euros, especially with the emergence of young stars like Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Kobbie Mainoo.
However, Southgate’s contract is set to expire in December and he has stated that he will likely leave his position if England fails to win Euro 2024. The Football Association is hoping to extend his contract, but ultimately it will depend on their performance in Germany.
Southgate knows the pressure is on and understands the importance of delivering in the big moments. He told ESPN, “If we want to be a big team and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.”
But this is not the first time England has been in this position. After the World Cup in 2018, Southgate almost quit as he questioned whether he was the right man to lead the team forward. And now, as the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico draws closer, Southgate’s future remains uncertain.
When asked about a potential contract extension, Southgate referenced the backlash to former coach Fabio Capello staying on amid interest from Inter Milan before the 2010 World Cup. He stated that it’s better to reassess after the tournament, rather than causing a distraction beforehand.
England’s Group C campaign will begin against Serbia on Sunday, and the team has arrived at their base in Germany. All eyes will be on them as they train for the first time in front of the public.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
As a football obsessed nation, it’s no surprise that the pressure is on for England to perform at a major tournament. And with a talented squad and a dedicated manager in Gareth Southgate, the expectations are high. But they have come close before, only to be met with disappointment. Will this year be different? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – England’s fans will be cheering them on every step of the way.
