Euro 2020: What next for grieving finalists England?

England – Positives and Negatives

Watching England in the final of a major tournament feels weird, given how poor their record has been over the years. But back-to-back semifinal appearances in the World Cup and the Nations League, and the final of the Euro 2020, have changed the narrative around the Three Lions.

They are no longer the perennial underachievers, nor are they a group of big-name club stars struggling to find cohesion in an unfamiliar setting. Rather, this England feels different; this England feels good.

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Backed by a shrewd tactician in Southgate, the Three Lions have some of the world’s best talent on their roster. The likes of Rashford, Sancho, and Saka are joined by Mason Mount, Phil Foden, and Reece James, while experience is provided by older heads such as Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson.

Crucially, this particular squad is expected to be retained should England make it to the World Cup in Qatar. Add to that some of the talent Southgate had to leave on the sidelines (Mason Greenwood, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, the list goes on and on!), and suddenly you find yourself a squad capable of winning the tournament.

Southgate himself should stick around until the big one and attempt another shot at redemption. Nonetheless, some doubts remain whether the head coach is adept at making full use of the talents at his disposal. Despite England’s performances in the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 Euro, Southgate retains his doubters.

One can’t overlook the fact that the tactician was quickly losing popularity on the eve of the tournament over his reluctance to use the likes of Jack Grealish. Ill feelings often return in the wake of disappointments and can end up derailing a long-term project.