Little details matter to Gareth Southgate.
That is why the small stitching into the back of one of Southgate’s trainers was noticeable. It read: “Anything is Possible.” For those into their trainers (and I am), they were a beautiful pair of Nikes (obviously), custom made and he’s the only one with them.
Meanwhile, the negativity and controversy is swirling around in the background. The row over whether Harry Kane can wear the One Love armband. It was not enough for some people anyway but now has become a point of principle. Just when you did not need any further distractions, this rather farcical and ill-conceived tournament provided another.
That just about sums everything up for England and Southgate. They have to change the mood here, move on from the poor form and results over the summer and go into this campaign with a new belief and confidence.
And they have to contend with being the first major European nation to play in Qatar so all the eyes are on them.
No pressure.
What a ridiculous scenario when we have the FIFA president Gianni Infantino trying to send a message on diversity in his bizarre speech… then threatening to punish a team for promoting the same values.
It sums up the poor leadership and weakness from FIFA who appear to have long since lost control of this tournament to the Qataris.
People at the first game came back bewildered by fans walking out at half time. We hoped everything would improve once the football started… and we’re still waiting.
Hopefully England can do that and the good thing is that Southgate has gone attack-minded with his line-up, a back four with Mason Mount also in midfield and Bukayo Saka - no-one should forget he is England’s Player of the Year - up front in a 4-3-3 formation.
They are going for it.
Maybe Southgate’s decision to throw the shackles off is because he is gearing up for his last tournament as England boss and has nothing to lose.
Go out swinging and with a new approach to go all guns blazing in this tournament. You’ll never please some people but I really like the team and the formation.
That is why Southgate and his players must believe anything is possible. Because if they can get their game faces on, then they’ve proved to be really good in tournament football.
