Southgate’s Legacy: A Tale of Near Misses
Former England manager Fabio Capello has offered his insights into why the Three Lions, under Gareth Southgate, fell short in their quest to win a major tournament. Over his eight-year tenure, Southgate guided England to the finals of both the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 European Championships. Despite these significant achievements, the team ultimately failed to secure the coveted trophy, a goal that has eluded England since their historic 1966 World Cup victory. Southgate’s resignation following a loss to Spain in the 2023 Euro final has left a bittersweet legacy, with praise and criticism intertwined.
Capello’s Praise and Criticism
Capello, who managed England from 2007 to 2012, has been quick to acknowledge Southgate’s contributions to the national team. "Southgate did a fantastic job," Capello said, recognizing the manager’s ability to lead England to two consecutive major finals. However, Capello believes that the team’s performance in these crucial matches was marred by a deep-seated "fear of winning." This psychological barrier, according to Capello, was evident in how the players conducted themselves during the 2020 Euro final against Italy. "When England’s players arrived at the final, they did not play with the same facilities and security that they had played with before," he observed. Capello’s analysis suggests that the pressure of the moment and the immense expectation weighed heavily on the players, leading to a cautious and defensive approach.
The 2021 Euro Final: A Missed Opportunity
Capello considers the 2021 Euro final against Italy to be England’s best chance at breaking their long-standing tournament drought. England had the advantage of playing on home soil, and they made a strong start, taking the lead through Luke Shaw in the second minute. However, as the match progressed, the team struggled to create meaningful chances, and Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci equalized in the second half, sending the game into a penalty shootout. Italy’s composure and nerve in the shootout ultimately sealed their victory, highlighting the psychological edge they held over England. Capello’s criticism of England’s approach is particularly poignant, noting that after taking the lead, the team began to play for time, an indication of their fear of losing.
Thomas Tuchel: The New Hope
With Southgate’s departure, the mantle of leading England has been passed to Thomas Tuchel, a German coach known for his tactical acumen and positive mindset. Capello, with his experience of managing England as a foreign coach, has offered Tuchel valuable advice. "All the managers that will be managing England, you have to understand this thing: you have to enter the mind and forget what happened before and to only think positively," Capello advised. This mindset shift is critical, as it can help Tuchel instill confidence and a winning mentality in a team that has been haunted by near misses.
Building a Positive Mindset
Tuchel, who will name his first squad for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, faces the challenge of transforming the team’s mental and emotional state. Capello’s emphasis on positive thinking and mental resilience is a crucial aspect of this transformation. Tuchel must focus on building a squad that is not only tactically sound but also psychologically strong. This involves fostering an environment where players feel empowered to take risks, embrace challenges, and believe in their collective ability to succeed. Capello’s advice underscores the importance of mental preparation in high-stakes football, a factor that can often be the difference between victory and defeat.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the World Cup
As Tuchel prepares to lead England into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the lessons from Southgate’s tenure and Capello’s insights will be invaluable. The challenge is not just to reach the finals but to perform with the confidence and composure required to win. Tuchel’s ability to develop a positive and resilient team culture will be key to overcoming the psychological barriers that have historically hindered England. With a fresh perspective and a focus on mental strength, there is hope that the Three Lions can finally break their long wait for a major tournament win.
