Gareth Southgate, the England men's national team manager, is on the verge of potentially ending a 28-year wait for redemption at Euro 2024. Despite a penalty shootout miss in the Euro '96 semifinal that has haunted him, Southgate has steered England to two finals and a semifinal in his four major tournaments as manager, outshining most of his predecessors.
If England triumphs over Spain in the Euro 2024 final, Southgate is likely to be knighted by King Charles III as 'Sir Gareth.' His journey from being ridiculed to revered has been marked by highs and lows, including being pelted with plastic beer glasses by disgruntled fans just weeks before the final.
Southgate's penalty miss in 1996 has been a constant reminder of his past, but he has shown resilience and humor in dealing with it. Despite the lingering impact of the miss, Southgate has led England to success in penalty shootouts in recent tournaments.
Winning the Euro 2024 final would not only be a career-defining moment for Southgate but also a chance to bury the ghosts of Euro '96. It would signify a full circle moment for him and England, with the potential for him to finally receive the love and affection he feels he has been denied.
Throughout his tenure, Southgate has faced criticism and negativity, leading to speculation about his future as England manager. Despite the challenges, his genuine care for players and staff has been a defining quality, with a focus on building a cohesive squad and making tough decisions on player selection.
Southgate's transformation of the England team from perennial underachievers to genuine contenders has been marked by bold decisions and tactical acumen. His calm and measured approach has earned him respect, shifting the narrative from his past penalty miss to his current success as a competitive manager.
