Anyone could have told you Kane wasn’t at it but if Southgate had dropped him and England had a bad game you’d see the idiotic pundits react in the same way they reacted to Rodri coming off.
It’s a lack of knowledge outside of the English game by many, or just being an idiot by some.
Whether it is Howe, Maureen, Lampard whoever… the problem the way I gauge it - the manger becomes paranoid about looking inept in the eyes of the media… Hence, the cautious dull as ditch water football approach.
Cavalier, gung-ho football is what will excite the football connaisseur - think the Brazil side of 1970, etched into the memory banks of anyone that witnessed that side…
Jurgen had it right… fuck the media and pundits and what they think - he wasn’t arsed about his own reputation as such - Just go for it each game
What seems to be missed, in the plaudits for Southgate, is that the standard of football, across the whole of Europe, seems to be in decline.
If he can’t get his side to win a European competition, what chance would he have against some of the South American sides in the next World Cup - We all know don’t we, he wants to stay for another 2years :0)
Results wise it looked the best amongst recent England managers. World Cup semi, 2 Euro finals.
But performance wise was dismal with a huge lack of consistent style. It never always had to be stylish but there was no ethos to how he wants to play. He just basically throws in the best players he has and hope for the best.
It won’t happen but I think Carlo Ancelotti would be a good choice. He’s won everything at club level and probably won be at RM after next season. He might fancy having a go at the World Cup.
Bodgers will be salivating at throwing his hat into the ring for this - all that media spotlight up for grabs - fuck the football, style of play, shit tactics, they can all follow behind in his shadow cast from the camera flashes…