Gareth Southgate, the manager of England men’s national team, has come a long way from being a figure of ridicule to the verge of national treasure status. His journey has been filled with ups and downs, from a penalty shootout miss against Germany in Euro ’96 to potentially ending a 28-year wait for redemption at Euro 2024. Despite reaching two finals and a semifinal in his four major tournaments as manager, the shadow of that penalty miss still lingers over Southgate, haunting him even after almost three decades.
If England manages to beat Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, Southgate will most likely be knighted by King Charles III and become “Sir Gareth.” His journey to redemption has not been easy, with moments like being pelted with plastic beer glasses by disgruntled supporters after a goalless draw against Slovenia still fresh in memory. Nevertheless, Southgate’s sense of humor and level-headedness have helped him navigate through the extreme highs and lows of football life.
The penalty miss in Euro ’96 against Germany still weighs heavily on Southgate, affecting him even after all these years. While he has learned to be relaxed and philosophical about it, the scars of that moment are still raw. However, Southgate’s success in shootouts since becoming the manager in 2016 has helped him move past the haunting memory of the missed penalty.
Southgate’s tenure as England manager has been marked by significant changes and tough decisions. By creating an atmosphere where players want to be part of the squad, he turned England from perennial failures to genuine challengers. His tough streak, evident in dropping senior players and giving opportunities to young talents, has redefined England’s approach to football.
Despite his success, Southgate has faced criticism and negativity throughout his career as England’s manager. The strain of expectations, both on the field and off it, has taken a toll on him. The lack of love and appreciation from fans has been particularly hard for someone who takes pride in representing his country.
In the end, regardless of the outcome of Euro 2024, Southgate’s legacy as the manager of England’s men’s national team will be defined by his transformation of the team and his resilience in the face of challenges. He may not have entirely shaken off the shadow of that penalty miss, but he has shown that he is more than just that one moment. Gareth Southgate is the man who made England’s men competitive again and brought hope to a nation that had long been waiting for redemption.
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