On July 15th, in the final of the European Championship, England suffered a 1-2 defeat against Spain, settling for the runner-up position. Post-match, English football legend Rio Ferdinand directed his criticism towards manager Gareth Southgate, asserting that the coach bears primary responsibility for England’s loss.
Following their second consecutive runner-up finish in the European Championship without securing a title, Ferdinand criticized Southgate post-match: “You need to look at the depth of talent in English football. Currently, England is brimming with stars and abundant football talent. However, during this European Championship, England failed to make the most of its resources; players were not positioned optimally on the pitch. I believe Southgate should be held accountable, and the Football Association needs to make significant decisions going forward.”
In the aftermath of England’s failed title bid, Southgate’s future with the Three Lions is now uncertain. Yet, with a formidable squad, England remains a contender for the World Cup in North America in two years’ time and the home World Cup in 2028.