Clubs might come knocking but England is in his blood

Gareth Southgate’s true calling may be a role within the FA where he can continue his vital work, argues Richard Jolly

- Richard Jolly

Gareth Southgate’s final thought was the one that probably hurt the most. “It’s the last step we haven’t been able to do,” he reflected in his final answer as England manager. He had cited the achievements, a first final on foreign soil, two in consecutive European Championships, only one defeat in 14 matches – penalties excluded – in those two tournaments, but said: “In the moment, none of the matters.”

It was a clue. Southgate was a beaten man. After eight years of dignified and devoted service, the best England manager of his lifetime – and he was born a couple of months after West Germany ejected his country from the 1970 World Cup – knew he wouldn’t join Alf Ramsey in the pantheon of winners. Perhaps someone else will: Southgate leaves a still better platform even than Ramsey, given that the managerial knight was sacked after England failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup. The talent of the players, the youth and the strength in depth could position Southgate’s successor to win the 2026 World Cup or, more probably, Euro 2028 on home soil. Take the culture he implemented, add more attacking thrust and assurance in possession and he may seem England’s Bill Shankly, his replacement the Bob Paisley of this particular comparison.

England’s past, however, suggests they are likelier to regress and that the Southgate years may forever remain an anomaly: four consecutive tournaments when they outlasted Germany. He was an English version of Didier Deschamps or Joachim Low, just without the crowning glory of a trophy.