England have suffered a heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, making them the first team to lose consecutive Euro finals. This latest setback adds to a string of near misses under Gareth Southgate, including a semi-final and quarter-final exit in World Cups. Southgate, who has now had four attempts to break England’s 60-year drought for a major trophy, must grapple with another missed opportunity, while his captain, Harry Kane, faces the bitter reality of another chance at his first major honour slipping away. Both are apparently now taking time to decide on whether they wish to continue at International level in the wake of yet another crushing disappointment.
As England return home, the end of a tournament in which they rarely shone as brightly as they might, it’s a time for reflection for everyone, not just the Manager and Captain. The journey to the final was a difficult one and fraught with narrow escapes, the last gasp victory over Slovakia in the round of 16, a nerve wracking penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-finals and a comeback win over the Netherlands in the semi-finals. Gareth Southgate's dream and the overwhelming belief in his way was ultimately dashed on the harsh reality that Spain proved too strong, highlighting a stark gap in class and creativity.
The loss underscores a recurring theme for England, who have struggled to find consistency both throughout the tournament and through the generations. Despite moments of brilliance from players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Ollie Watkins, the team’s overall performance was far from their best. Southgate’s tactical choices, such as experimenting with Trent Alexander-Arnold in an unfamiliar midfield role and frequent changes in defensive formations appeared confused and ineffective at times.
The squad now also faces impending changes, with veterans like Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier nearing the twilight of their international careers. However, there is hope in the young talents such as Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Adam Wharton. Meanwhile, John Stones and Jordan Pickford delivered commendable performances, providing a solid foundation for the future.
The broader context of England’s struggles in international tournaments is complex. Despite the Premier League’s reputation as one of the most competitive leagues in the world, this intensity does not always translate to international success. One critical aspect to consider is whether the England team is as good as it perceives itself to be. The EPL is renowned for its high-octane matches, star studded lineups, and massive global following. However, the intense competition and physicality of the league might not necessarily translate to international success. The relentless pace of the EPL could be detrimental, leading to player fatigue and injuries, which are often cited as reasons for underperformance on the international stage. Furthermore, the stylistic differences between the EPL and international football, where tactical discipline and technical proficiency are paramount, could expose deficiencies in English players that are otherwise masked in their club performances.
The unrelenting scrutiny of the British media exacerbates the pressure on the England team. Every aspect of the players’ lives and performances is dissected, creating an atmosphere of immense expectation. This can sap players’ confidence and affect their mental health, leading to cautious and uninspired performances. The media’s role in magnifying the pressure was evident during the era of the ‘Golden Generation,’ when stars like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard in particular struggled to replicate their club success on the international stage.
Tactical naivety has often been cited as a flaw in England’s approach. While there has been tactical evolution, England’s strategies have sometimes seemed outdated and stilted compared to the innovative systems of teams like Spain and Germany. Modern football demands adaptability and a deep understanding of various tactical frameworks, an area where England has sometimes fallen short. Although Gareth Southgate has brought plenty of stability, question marks remain about whether it is enough to compete with the world’s elite teams.
Another issue that has plagued the England team is the presence of cliques and divides based on club loyalties. With most players drawn from the EPL, where fierce club rivalries exist, these divisions can permeate the national team, affecting squad cohesion and unity. Players who are rivals at the club level may struggle to fully integrate and support each other on the national stage. This lack of camaraderie can lead to disjointed performances, as the team lacks the collective spirit and understanding that is crucial for success in international tournaments. Historical accounts of tension between players from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea during the 2000s serve as stark reminders of how club allegiances can undermine national team harmony.
Fitness issues are another critical factor. The gruelling EPL schedule, combined with domestic and European commitments, often leaves players exhausted by the time international tournaments begin. Many of the teams at the Euro’s seemed to be well short of their best and several of the starts failed to live up to expectation. It could be that all domestic leagues are crowding their schedule in the way the EPL has for years. While measures like the mid-season break aim to alleviate this, the physical toll remains significant.
Mental resilience is another area where England has struggled. The psychological burden of ending a long trophy drought adds immense pressure, which can lead to anxiety and inhibited performances. This mental block has been evident in England’s history of just falling short and failing to get over the line in high stakes matches. Research by countless sports psychologists underscores the importance of mental conditioning and resilience. Athletes who can maintain composure and focus under pressure are more likely to succeed. England’s difficulties in this area suggest a need for enhanced psychological support to help players overcome these mental barriers and finally achieve success on the International stage.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including tactical innovation, psychological support, and measures to manage player fitness and media pressure. Only by confronting these issues head on can England hope to break their cycle of underperformance and achieve the success their talent promises. Until this is done it probably doesn’t matter who the Manager is.
