I know many weren't, but I was a fan of Southgate... what I can't deny though, is that we're genuinely entertaining under Tuchel. I'm looking forward to watching tonight's game.
As a minimum, i find it hard to believe we'll "go out wondering" with a Tuchel side. The identity is to play brave and be determined. Our world class players are seizing the opportunity, they don't look shackled or frightened.
I'm in my mid-30s and can't remember watching an England team with these characteristics. Wayne Rooney when he burst onto the scene 2004/06 is the only example I can think of, but never as a collective.
I don’t think we’ve been “genuinely entertaining” at this World Cup, we had a good half against a Croatia side which looked, like Portugal and Belgium, to be at the end of a generation at this World Cup.
Mexico was a very well executed performance which had to be dynamic and use the depth of the squad.
Not knocking the fact that we’ve been very savvy and perhaps a little lucky as well as had some misfortune with some players, we’ve done enough to progress without dazzling like France have at times.
Southgate did a fantastic job but didn't win anything and that is how he is judged
It doesn't matter we were an embarrassment before
If we ever do win anything he will be as responsible for it as anyone ,not just got his influence on the first team but for his influence throughout the age groups and the whole set up
Southgate came in with zero expectation but ended up building us back up from almost wasting a generation of talent. He did a really good job and the results aren’t always about winning but progressing, getting us to Euro finals two tournaments in a row and good WC performances
Southgate left a platform for Tuchel and quarter finals is the minimum expectation, semis is realistic and reaching the final has to be the focus…
That focus will zoom in tonight on how we perform against a strong Norway side, one with many players we know and by no means an easy side to beat, but with the players available, we should be beating…. Over to Tommy and the boys
You’re right though, any success and Southgate will deservedly get a lot of credit for what he helped to build
