June 27, 2024 3:00 pmGareth Southgate’s timesince the Denmark disappointment is leading the national team into a dark place. The boos help no-one and with a path opening up for England to make it to Berlin, unity and opportunity have to form the narrative rather than a siege mentality which will ultimately see them come unstuck.
What he said to them has echoes of what is happening now. “Basically, I wanted them to realise it could be a terrible, long, frustrating summer if we don’t get it right against Uruguay,” he said in a remarkable insight into his own mindset. England are out on their own in terms of not giving away clear-cut chances to opponents. If they can add a coherent offensive strategy to the defensive solidity they will be a force. He has, lest we forget, managed to do that before.
The dangers of Austria, Slovakia, Switzerland and company shouldn’t be underplayed but make no mistake: this is England’s best opportunity to reach an overseas major tournament final for 20 years. It’s time to take a beat and, perhaps, focus a bit more on the positives.