Spain 2-1 England
England manager Gareth Southgate found out to his cost what us Hammers fans already know: You need a West Ham player in your team if you’re going to win a major tournament.
In all seriousness, though, this was more of the same from England: more heartbreak, more disappointment, with many of the same problems remaining.
It doesn’t seem to matter who the manager is or how talented the players are, England has a problem passing the football. Even with the score at 1-1 in the second half, England’s tactic was to hoof it long from the boot of Jordan Pickford.
I’m quite certain that would not have been the tactic when Southgate planned his strategy for this game. However, it seems to be something that is so ingrained in the English psyche that we can’t help but retreat ever deeper and launch long balls in the hope of a lucky bounce.
That is no criticism of Pickford himself, who pulled off some miraculous saves. Like many of his teammates, he tried his best and, realistically, the finest team in the tournament won the trophy, so no complaints in that regard.
But until England finds a way of producing more technical midfield players and a coaching framework at the top level which allows them to flourish in possession rather than panic, I fear the Three Lions are destined to repeat the same mistakes.
Southgate and his England squad did remarkably well to reach the final and in many respects have made the country proud again. But the team never truly fired on all cylinders or clicked in the way so many other teams in this tournament have. There have been some excellent individual performances, but that’s what England seems to be: a team of individuals.
Some bravery, plenty of drama, and some excellent highlights on the way to the final in Berlin. Unfortunately, the campaign was punctuated with far too many last-gasp rescue attempts and amazing feats of escapology. Against the very best team in the tournament, England ran out of luck, inspiration, and when one more prison escape was required, there was nothing left in the tank.
While England were brave and fell at the final hurdle, there was an element of naivety and stupidity in the tactics too. Ultimately, England will need some big changes if we are to turn from plucky losers to regular winners.
They outplayed us. Their manager out thought Southgate.
They were better than us all over the pitch. It was like watching us!!! Is Southgate Moyes love child😀😀
“Things won are done. Joy’s soul lies in the doing.” (Shakespeare; Troilus & Cressida, 1602)
Well at least the pubs and bars in Scotland will have done a roaring trade with all the Jocks celebrating England getting beaten!
Silver medal is still a medal, England fought it out in this tournament and even tho you were close, it wasn’t meant to be. Be happy for what you have because some teams can only dream about playing in a final.
It might feel like disappointment now, but being second best is nothing to be angry or disappointed about.
I congratulate you and your team for winning the silver medals.
I have to agree with all the comments on here.Watching England was like watching a mirror image of West Ham last season.
Agree with S that the pundits who all criticised WH fans for calling Moyes were all doing exactly the same with Southgate. I think all WH fans were feeling the deja vu disappointment of watching our team more concerned with stopping the opposition than daring to try to win it. Would have loved bed to see Jarrod have a go.
The irony of all the anti-Southgate noise from English fans who were (mostly) very critical of West Ham fans wanting Moyes out for the exact same reasons! Seriously look at the BBC comment boards. Same criticisms that most Hammers leveled at Moyes now being leveled at Southgate. I’m willing to bet most of those people snubbed their noses at us when it was time for Moyes to go.
We of all fans know that defensive tactics is not the way to go. There was so many players on the bench that I feel could of made a difference as it showed whenever he bought on attacking players.
Like Moyes it’s time for Southgate to go and again like Moyes we thank him for what he has done for the team but it’s time to move on.
Yes Graham, it was very much like Moyes
Pundits on bbc1 saying how every england player is used to playing in a high pressing team in premier league. So England should play a high pressing side. Totally agree. However if you’re going to play with a low block why didn’t he use Jarrod Bowen who is used to playing in a low block. Harry Kane needed service, crosses into the box and he wasn’t getting that from Saka.
Agreed mate
Fair point, but Harry Kane wasn’t anywhere near the opponents box (1 touch in the entire game) or in position to get on the end of a cross, so Saka, Palmer or Bowen recognised, they would have been wasting their time.