England have yet again failed to win any major football tournament. The Three Lions qualified for their second final in four years. On both occasions, they end up on the losing side. They lost 2-1 against Spain in the final of the UEFA Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate’s side previously lost to Italy in penalties in the 2020 edition at Wembley Stadium. The head coach will be under huge pressure after their loss. Despite the fact, the management wants him till the 2026 World Cup.
The star-studded squad coming to the tournament were favourites to win it. But since they started playing it never looked like they could earn the silverware. They struggled in the group stages by winning just one of their 3 games. They were lucky to score late in the knockout stages and edge out every time. The frontline of England failed horribly.
They had the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden. The four in the 2023/24 club season had more than 165 G/A combined. But coming to the tournament all of them could have done better. They together scored 10 G/A which was a huge shock to all fans and pundits.
‘Egos’ of England footballers letting down the country
The question arises as to why they fail for their nation, after performing excellently for their respective clubs. The reason is the chemistry between all the footballers and another negative fact is their ego. To perform on the international stage for the country team bonding needs to be very strong. A better understanding of the team will lead the team to success and silverware.
But English footballers over the years despite having good footballers have failed in the biggest stage of football. The problem remains unsolved and till the professionals understand it will be difficult for the Lions to win any major tournament. The footballers need to put the country first and help the team to win rather than being selfish. The 53-year-old manager needs to build on the bonding inside the dressing room and lead the side to success since 1966.
