England Manager update pre-final

If we lose on Sunday, which is likely, no doubt the Southgate out cries will return and celebrate a new beginning as we entrust this wonderful generation of England footballers to Eddie f**king Howe or Graham Potter.

So before that happens, just a reminder as to why even if he is sacked or leaves (which I feel may happen after a loss, and maybe even if we win)

Win percentage - currently second behind Capello (will drop to third behind Ramsey again if we don't win on Sunday)

Number of wins - third behind Winterbottom and Ramsey, in an era where more nations take their football seriously

Only England manager in history to take us to more than one major tournament semi-final (3).

Only England manager in history to reach two major tournament finals.

Only England manager in history to win a semi-final on foreign soil.

One of only two England managers to have progressed through the group stage in every tournament (min. 2 tournaments), joint with Eriksson.

One of only three England managers to have reached knockout stages of 4 tournaments (Ramsey and Winterbottom).

Remarkably, the only England manager to have not only qualified, but reached at least the Quarter Final of every major tournament England have attempted to qualify for under his management.

Even more remarkably, he has reached at least the semi-final of THREE of those.

Imagine, if we'd been told after the Iceland game in 2016, that for the next 8 years England would have a 75% chance of making the semi-final in each World Cup and Euros.

No, we haven't reached a World Cup final under him, nor won one, but I think win or lose on Sunday, Gareth Southgate should be celebrated as by far the best modern era manager of England. I really would love to see us win it and convince him to stay on for one more World Cup.

While I think it can still improve, Southgate has completely changed the culture of the England set-up in a very positive way. It's generally far less arrogant, closed off and defeatist than I remember before him. This has reflected in the results. That's the part I fear may revert when he is ultimately replaced. Shame the media have gone back to their old ways this tournament as that side was far more enjoyable in the previous two tournaments as well.

Posted By: Legacy Fan, Jul 11, 10:11:39