{"id":595104,"date":"2021-06-30T06:13:58","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T10:13:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=595104"},"modified":"2021-06-30T06:13:58","modified_gmt":"2021-06-30T10:13:58","slug":"gareth-southgates-england-redemption-is-a-story-fit-for-silverware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/06\/30\/gareth-southgates-england-redemption-is-a-story-fit-for-silverware\/","title":{"rendered":"Gareth Southgate\u2019s England Redemption is a Story Fit for Silverware"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we utter those famous three words \u2018it\u2019s coming home\u2019 in England, we never really mean it. For the most part, it\u2019s a running joke; a natural reaction to a victory, whether it be against Czech Republic<\/a> or Tunisia. But after the victory against Germany<\/a> to complete Gareth Southgate\u2019s 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: \u201cIs it coming home?\u201d It couldn\u2019t, could it?<\/p>\n

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<\/i>\u00a0to Joachim Low and his side.<\/p>\n

Gareth Southgate\u2019s England Redemption is a Narrative Fit for Silverware<\/h2>\n

Southgate Proves Doubters Wrong<\/h3>\n

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 \u2018his never faced or beaten a challenge before.\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Yet here Gareth \u2018boring\u2019 Southgate is, into the last eight with Ukraine<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s crazy how life works out, isn\u2019t it? Southgate was the man who famously missed that penalty in 1996<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Time to Respect Raheem Sterling<\/h3>\n

Southgate\u2019s 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\u2019s time to throw that aforementioned paper away, however. It is time to show Raheem Sterling, England\u2019s top scorer at Euro 2020, some respect.<\/p>\n

Every positive moment that the Three Lions have had at this tournament, one man has been the constant factor and that\u2019s Sterling. People have aimed digs towards his passing, decision making and finishing, but the numbers don\u2019t 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\u2019t look to dissimilar at the Etihad as he started the move before tapping Luke Shaw\u2019s cross into the back of the net.<\/p>\n

Out of nowhere, with the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Harry Kane around him, it is Raheem Sterling who is becoming England\u2019s main man under Gareth Southgate.<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>