Don’t let fear and negativity dictate
When Southgate held court with a group of journalists after England’s shattering World Cup quarter-final defeat against France, he spoke about feeling “conflicted” as to whether to continue. He cited the principal cause: “The night at Wolves.” The team’s 4-0 defeat by Hungary at Molineux in June was a horrible low. The venom of the crowd shocked Southgate and the Football Association and it led him to think the World Cup in Qatar would be his last dance. Southgate always reads the room. He had also said he would not outstay his welcome. He worried he was approaching that point. But during his soul‑searching since the France game last Saturday, Southgate surely reminded himself of how he has approached adversity. In 2016, the prospect of a baying mob and personal upset had led him to turn down the England job. He went on to accept it after Sam Allardyce’s departure and he did so with the words of a close friend in mind. Chris Coleman, his former Crystal Palace teammate, had felt his confidence dented by a dismissal at club level. As Southgate had. But Coleman still stepped up to enjoy success with Wales. Southgate watched Coleman giving a victorious post-match interview. “Chris spelled it out very simply: ‘Don’t be frightened of going for things in life,’” Southgate said. “It felt like he was talking directly to me.” The sentiment retains its resonance.
