Southgate Enters the History Books of English Football

Gareth Southgate has once again guided the England national team to the quarter-finals of a major tournament, achieving a feat that no previous England manager has accomplished.

England squeezed through a narrow victory against Slovakia in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024. For the second time, Southgate has led the team deep into a tournament he has been part of.

Before Southgate, England had never reached the Quarter-Finals in four consecutive major tournaments (World Cup/Euro), but under Southgate, England has reached at least the Quarter-Finals in four consecutive major tournaments. These tournaments include the 2018 World Cup Semi-Finals, the 2020 Euro Final, the 2022 World Cup Quarter-Finals, and at least the 2024 Euro Quarter-Finals.

Looking back, England had only managed this achievement three times in history (1966-1968-1970 and 2002-2004-2006).

Since 1966, England had only won a total of 6 knockout matches at the World Cup/Euro until 2016. Under Southgate, England has won a total of 7 knockout matches at the World Cup/Euro.

England head coach Gareth Southgate is expected to leave his position at the end of Euro 2024. The 53-year-old strategist has previously stated that he will not sign a contract extension regardless of how England’s campaign in Germany concludes.

At Euro 2024, Southgate has at his disposal the highest quality and most valuable squad of the tournament. However, England’s lackluster performance on the field has drawn much criticism from the media despite the results of the matches.

In the game against Slovakia, the “Three Lions” secured victory thanks to a star moment from Bellingham. This kind of brilliance will not occur frequently, so Southgate will need to make adjustments to help England perform better in the upcoming matches.

In the Quarter-Finals, England will face Switzerland, the dark horse of this year’s tournament. A lack of focus could come at a very high price for England.