England lost to Spain in the Euro’s 2024 Final.
It was a great competition. Spain did really well, they beat the like of Germany, France and others on their way to the finals.
England, who made the final last time (but lost to Italy) had a slightly easier route – but then, is there such a thing as ‘easy’ when it comes to a football competition?
So England have lost 2 consectuive Euro’s finals. What should happen next?
Here’s my thoughts…
- Southgate has been really good! Since he’s taken over, his man-management skills have been great. He’s really brought a sense of togetherness and the ability to grind out results. He has to be, one of the most successful managers England has had, especially with his track record of the Euro Finals, World Cup QF, etc… but is it time for a fresh perspective? He’s been at the helm since 2016. He can keep doing the same thing, but then he’ll get the same result…
2. The players, Hey Jude… Kane, and others – they didn’t perform as well as they could have for their country as they do for their club. Did we pin too many ‘hopes’ on them? or was it a matter of them not rising to the occasion? We saw was the likes of Cole Palmer and Watkins can do. Would have loved to see Gordon get some game time. How great was Luke Shaw. Whilst we talk about the process in point 1… point 2, is all about the people.
3. Let’s be honest. It’s a results based business. We’ve seen great progress sine 2016. But now, it’s time we started winning some of these competitions. Do we bring in a new manager? Does the manager stay and we bring in some additional support staff? New assistants? I think we’re primed, with the players coming through, to really win a trophy. Soon. But we have to get the process and the people right.
Taking nothing away from Spain, their manager knows what he’s doing.
The 63-year-old De La Fuente, a native Spaniard, has spent his entire playing and coaching career in his home country.
With the Spain u19’s, he won the 2015 UEFA European Championship.
He’s managed and won with the u21’s and the u23’s.
De la Fuente was also in charge of the Spanish Olympic team at the delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. His side won the silver medal, losing 2–1 to Brazil in the final
And now with the national team – he wins again.
For those who have read the book, Good to Great – he really does show the value of the ‘hedgehog concept’.
And if you don’t know it, I’d suggest you read the book, or watch the video on this particular concept.