England are through the Euro 2024 final following their comeback win against the Netherlands in the second semi-final. The Three Lions are unbeaten throughout the tournament with a win and two draws in the group stage, followed by successive victories in the knockout stages against Slovakia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Under the tutelage of Gareth Southgate, England have now reached back-to-back finals of the tournament, recording a new chapter in their football history.
England are set to take on three-time European champions Spain in the Sunday’s Berlin blockbuster. With that, let’s shed light on Southgate’s managerial career who is determined to bring the title home this time.
Southgate, the footballer
Prior to taking charge as the head coach, Southgate established himself as a renowned international who featured in 57 games for England. Starting his playing career as a midfielder, he later cemented his position at the heart of defence.
Starting his club career with Crystal Palace, Southgate registered a record number of almost 200 appearances for Aston Villa. He made his national team debut in 1995 and soon found himself as an integral part of the team.
Southgate played a pivotal role in Euro 1996, helping England reach the semi-final on their home soil. But he missed the spot-kick in the penalty shootout against Germany at Wembley, which led to his country’s exit. The former defender got a chance to redeem himself in 2021 in the Euro 2020 final but the shootout proved to be a bridge too far for him as the Three Lions lost to Italy on penalties in the final.
Southgate, the coach
In 2006, Southgate assumed managerial duties at Middlesbrough, succeeding Steve McClaren who departed that summer. In his debut managerial role, the club finished 12th in the Premier League during his first season.
He continued with Middlesbrough for the next two seasons but left in 2009 after the club was relegated to the Championship.
Southgate then transitioned to a role as head of elite development at the English Football Association in January 2011, focusing on nurturing young players and grassroots football for the next 18 months.
In September 2013, he took on the role of managing the England U-21 football team. Under his guidance, players like Harry Kane, John Stones, and many others progressed through the youth ranks.
The Watford-born footballer was appointed head coach of the England senior men’s football team in September 2016, following Sam Allardyce’s departure. In his debut with the senior team, England secured a 2-0 victory over Malta in a World Cup qualifier.
During his tenure as head coach, Southgate led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the final of Euro 2020, and the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, though he has yet to secure a major trophy. He has been pivotal in transforming the team’s performance in knockout matches, an area where the Three Lions had struggled before his tenure.
Performance at Euro 2024
England navigated through Group C alongside Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia with a win in their opening fixture against Serbia and draws in the remaining two matches, securing the top spot and advancing to the knockout stage.
In the Round of 16 clash against Slovakia, England trailed for most of the match but secured a thrilling comeback with Jude Bellingham’s stunning late goal and an additional time winner from Kane.
Their journey continued with a tense victory over Switzerland in a penalty shootout, where Jordan Pickford’s heroics in goal were pivotal.
The drama persisted as England clinched their spot in the final with a dramatic 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands, courtesy of super-sub Ollie Watkins.
Throughout the tournament, England struggled to score goals initially, prompting manager Gareth Southgate to transition from a four-man backline to a more attacking three-back system. This adjustment saw a greater emphasis on their dynamic wingers and speedy full-backs to orchestrate attacking plays.
Facing formidable opponents in Spain, Southgate’s tactics will be crucial, regardless of the formation chosen, as England looks to overcome the challenge ahead.
But with ample experience in the latter stages of major tournaments and their knack for producing magic in crunch moments, England are well-positioned. Southgate’s mission for redemption may just be on the verge of its golden hour. Berlin awaits.
