Gareth Southgate got it wrong vs Scotland but he’s not the only one at fault
Let me clear something up…
Firstly, to all the people that have been saying us English fans are somehow ‘arrogant’ and ‘entitled’ for singing it’s ‘coming home’; you need to understand that 90% of the people who sing that, don’t actually believe it.
However, in a country that has always promised so much in terms of ‘golden generations’ but provides nothing but heartbreak, fans need something to bring each other together and keep the spirits up.
So let us sing our song and enjoy the ride whilst it still lasts because like any roller coaster, the fun stops as soon as the ride ends and England’s ride can often be short lived.
With that out of the way, onto the main piece.
Should Southgate take all the blame?
I don’t think so personally.
Yes, the system with two holding midfielders in Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips was too negative, as was the decision to not bring on Jadon Sancho, once again highlighting his bias towards players playing in the Premier League.
However, I have to say, certain players let themselves down and massively underperformed. I believe there is too many players in that England squad right now who don’t turn up when it really matters.
Harry Kane is a fantastic striker and has been excellent for both Spurs and England but when it really counts, has he ever really delivered?
I feel we see a better John Stones at Manchester City too and Raheem Sterling too.
I know Sterling had a poor season for City and its questionable why he wasn’t subbed off against Scotland, but I can’t remember when he’s really performed for England, when it really matters. Don’t tell me against an ageing Croatian side because bar the goal, he was awful in that game too.
Right now, I would say the reason for England’s underwhelming performances and poor result vs Scotland is a collective fault.
What should Southgate do?
Southgate NEEDS to be more positive against Czech Republic and stop playing the game of only picking his favourites.
I would like to see Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho start against Czech Republic.
Bellingham is brilliant at breaking up play and is always so composed on the ball, this might sound crazy as he’s only 17-years-old but I believe he is already better than Rice, Phillips and Henderson. He really is that good.
As for Sancho, he provides width, pace, and the ability to play that killer through ball to set free Kane who is desperate for some Sancho like service.
Finally, Grealish brings something that bit different, a player who will carry the ball, take players on and win free-kicks or even penalties. He is the X-Factor that this England team is crying out for.
As for the players mentioned previously who have been underperforming, I would say its’ partly down to Southgate to make some bold calls. But if he does keep faith with his favourites then it’s up to them to deliver.
If they don’t, then they have to ask themselves, have they really done enough for England as senior players or have they once again disappointed on the big stage?
Football may not be coming home but decisions made now by both Southgate and the performances of the players he selects, will determine how long the ‘football’s coming home’ dream can last.