Once the final whistle went in Berlin, there was an immediate sense of déjà vu for English football fans. It might not have been as dramatic as the penalty shootout defeat to Italy in Wembley Stadium just over three years ago, but the feeling of disappointment, frustration and anguish are just as heavily felt. Once the dust settles and the tournament as a whole is digested and analysed, English fans will most likely look back at the month in Germany with mixed emotions and the feeling of another opportunity squandered. The lyrics now read 58 years of hurt.

Following the defeat to Spain, there will be plenty of questions raised about the future level of involvement of some established members of the squad, while the future of England manager, Gareth Southgate, will be the main talking point. England’s, and Southgate’s record at major tournament suggests that there is no need for a huge overhaul, but if Southgate’s journey with the national team does come to an end, English football on the international stage could be organically taken down another path.

Is it time for a different approach?

The previous four major tournaments have seen Southgate’s England team reach a semi-final, a final, a quarter final, and another final. While that is certainly an impressive CV for any manager, has Southgate taken England as far as he can? There is now a big decision to be made by those behind the scenes at the English Football Association that centres around whether they believe the current setup can take the final step and get over the finishing line at a major tournament, or if this is the ceiling for the national team under Southgate.

Southgate will rightfully have his say on where he stands with the England job after eight years at the helm after the Sam Allardyce debacle, but as a proud Englishman, he too will have the country’s interest at heart and only he will know if he has the energy, fight and ideas to end that long wait for a trophy. Sports betting providers on the daily star will continue to back England to go deep in major tournaments, whether they can be labelled as favourites is a different matter. 

Although a decision will not be rushed, the next Nations League campaign and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico is on the horizon, and the identity of the England manager going into that campaign will certainly define the approach and style of football England will attempt to harmonise in the coming years.

There has been a growing feeling of disgruntlement, especially from the British media, over the style of football implemented by Southgate and his coaching staff. Furthermore, the repeated failings against nations like Croatia, Italy, and Spain, who are much more assured in possession and have protagonists that can take a game by the scruff of the neck and control the tempo, could end up counting against Southgate and his more conservative approach. 

Extracting the maximum out of a talented generation

English football has been blessed by the arrival of international managers such as Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, and Mikel Arteta who have worked with many of England’s top players, creating fluid systems to thrive in based on playing and resting with the ball. There is an argument that the current setup does not take advantage of this influence and inhibits the true ability of Phil Foden, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Harry Kane especially cut a forlorn figure during the recent European Championship, regularly on the periphery of matches and substituted by Southgate in five of the seven matches, including in the final. There will be a few more major tournaments still in the tank for England’s captain but finding him in the pockets when he drops deep with players such as Foden, Bellingham, and Saka running off him will be key to unlocking England’s and his full potential at major tournaments.

The future is certainly bright for England, with youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and Marc Guéhi looking right at home on the international stage. Foden and Bellingham showed glimpses of their undoubted talent, but it was too seldom on display to truly affect matches. The question for the FA and Southgate, is whether the current England manager can slightly compromise on his footballing principles to deliver a style befitting of the players that make up the current, and future squads to come. Whether Southgate stays or goes, there is no doubting that England have established themselves as a true force in international football and have a healthy culture behind the scenes. Taking that final step will be the sole focus for the current, or next, England manager.