When we utter those famous three words ‘it’s coming home’ in England, we never really mean it. For the most part, it’s a running joke; a natural reaction to a victory, whether it be against Czech Republic or Tunisia. But after the victory against Germany to complete Gareth Southgate’s England redemption, that famous line of three words has turned into four, it has become a brief question as you convince yourself of the ultimate answer: “Is it coming home?” It couldn’t, could it?
This, followed by a flurry of excitement and beers thrown up into the air to create your very own alcoholic shower, was the reaction as England said Auf Wiedersehen to Joachim Low and his side.
Gareth Southgate’s England Redemption is a Narrative Fit for Silverware
Southgate Proves Doubters Wrong
Southgate has been doubted more than ever at the Euros with many criticising his defensive approach. Those same fans used the same stick to beat him with of ‘his never faced or beaten a challenge before.’ When it comes to England, however, there is no greater challenge for a manager to face than Germany in the knockout stages, just ask Fabio Capello and Glenn Hoddle. Even look back on the great Sir Bobby Robson. Even he could not guide England past Germany.
Yet here Gareth ‘boring’ Southgate is, into the last eight with Ukraine to come having failed to even concede a single goal as of yet. And that includes a full 90 up against a German side who had put four past Portugal.
It’s crazy how life works out, isn’t it? Southgate was the man who famously missed that penalty in 1996 to hand Germany the Semi-Final victory at the European Championships. Now, 25 years later, he can wake up a happy man having quite literally defeated his demons. When you think of Southgate against Germany, heartbreak should no longer be the first thought. Instead, sweet victory should.
Time to Respect Raheem Sterling
Southgate’s England squad is full of stars; stars who, admittedly, enjoyed better seasons than Raheem Sterling did at Manchester City; stars who, on paper, perhaps deserved a place in the first 11. It’s time to throw that aforementioned paper away, however. It is time to show Raheem Sterling, England’s top scorer at Euro 2020, some respect.
Every positive moment that the Three Lions have had at this tournament, one man has been the constant factor and that’s Sterling. People have aimed digs towards his passing, decision making and finishing, but the numbers don’t lie. His movement has been crucial to the side, his expertise to make those late runs has been crucial. We saw that against Germany as he netted a goal that wouldn’t look to dissimilar at the Etihad as he started the move before tapping Luke Shaw’s cross into the back of the net.
Out of nowhere, with the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Harry Kane around him, it is Raheem Sterling who is becoming England’s main man under Gareth Southgate.
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