Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson believes Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager is “outstanding” and appears confident the Three Lions can continue to impress at the World Cup as they prepare for their crunch quarter-final against France.
England face Les Bleus in Al Khor on Saturday night as one of only four unbeaten teams remaining in the competition, having won three and drawn the other of their four matches at the tournament.
Their path to the quarter-finals was confirmed by a 3-0 triumph over Senegal in the last 16, their most impressive performance so far, although they face a mighty challenge against the World Cup holders at the Al Bayt Stadium.
But while Southgate continues to have his critics, whether it be over his playing styles or apparent failure to have won certain big games - most notably the semi-final in Russia four years ago, and the Euro 2020 final - one fundamental change has happened within the national team.
For decades, England possessed talented squads but having breezed through qualifying and with considerations of being among the pre-tournament favourites at various World Cups and European Championships weren’t able to produce their best when it counted, with a succession of underwhelming exits. But Pearson doesn't see that under Southgate.
“Yes, we’ve got a good chance,” Pearson said. “I think England have performed very well. I don’t buy into this up-and-down mentality. We got through comfortably and the squad seems in good physical shape.
“To win tournaments you need to make sure you peak at the right time. There have been plenty of tournaments in the past where England haven’t done that because we’ve been useless at tournament football.
“I think Gareth’s record is outstanding and I think his calmness in how he reflects on performances is something which is very visible with the team. We’ve got as good a chance as anybody.”
Pearson’s view around England’s prospects is shared by City midfielder and Wales international Andy King, albeit tempered by the fact that France will have Kylian Mbappe in their ranks - for him, the standout performer of the World Cup so far, along with Portugal forward Rafael Leao.
“I think they’re as good as anyone,” King said, of England. “From what I’ve seen, in terms of standout players, the obvious one is Mbappe; he looks like he’s the next one to fill the Messi/Ronaldo hole. I really like Rafael Leao, who plays for Portugal; I watched him against Chelsea in the Champions League and thought he was brilliant - he’s got a really good future.”
King also reflected on Wales’ performances in Qatar with the Dragons bowing out winless in the group stage after defeats to Iran and England following an opening point of such promise against the USA.
Ultimately, it proved a tournament too far for their stalwart individuals Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, both who have suffered significant injury problems in their late 20s and early 30s, which has affected their impact at club level.
Wales will now have to regroup and rebuild after a run of three tournament appearances in Qatar, at the European Championships last summer and firstly in 2016, when King was part of the squad in France which reached the semi-finals.
“Disappointing, to be honest,” King added. “It was probably a step up, more so than what that group has been used to. They hadn’t been in great form going into the tournament but with Wales, they stick and hang in there and can produce in the big moments and maybe that just didn’t happen.
“It’s going to be hard when your talisman is getting a bit older and he can’t produce just as regularly as he did but for Wales to be on the World Cup stage, I think that’s what people need to remember; a nation of that size, just to be competing on that level, we would have taken that 20-30 years ago.
"Even 10 years ago, we were ranked 110th in the world, so a few major tournaments on the spin and I’m sure some of the younger lads will be better for the experience and they can use it to try and go again. But, knowing the lads, I’m sure they were delighted to fly out there but maybe a bit disappointed flying back.”
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