Gareth Southgate has made England serial contenders in major tournaments, but the relationship between him and his country's fans has been complicated.
Natasha Hamilton – Atomic Kitten's lead singer – recorded her own version around the same time, swooping up and down the octavesFinally, in an echoing Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, more than an hour after the semi-final defeat by Croatia, a group of England fansIt was the unlikely sound of 2018's endless summer: noughties number one 'Whole Again' exhumed and reworked as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Gareth Southgate.Sentimental, but uncertain. Affectionate, but weary.
Rock-and-roll royalty were gathered backstage. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher sat smoking with actress Patsy Kensit and a group of friends. Jonny Depp clutched the hand of then-girlfriend Kate Moss.Instead it was Southgate, clean-cut and fresh-faced, who stared out at the black leathers and bright hair and, speaking into the microphone, welcomed John Lydon and the band to the stage.England manager Terry Venables had been concerned about granting Pearce permission to go to the gig.
Yet, he had become integral, playing every minute of the tournament alongside Tony Adams in the heart of the defence. His youth-team manager warned him that he would need to be tougher mentally and physically to progress to the senior side.It was a rare, possibly solitary, misstep.Whatever he came up against - older team-mates, aggressive opponents, a switch of clubs, a change of positions - he stepped up and surprised those who thought his careful demeanour indicated a soft centre.
Still, occasionally, one will wash up on a social media timeline. A moment from a past as distant as a desert island. It is the point where it can go south for some footballers - trying to fashion the next stage in a career that has left then awash with time and cash, but short of options and impetus.
He suggested it was possible to circumvent rules on third-party player ownership. He mocked his predecessor Hodgson and criticised his assistant Gary Neville. They saw the joy micromanaged out of England's game and an attack second-guessing itself, doubting instincts and instead shifting the ball and responsibility sideways.Before the Euro 2024 final, nine teams had had more shots on target than England.England ended the tournament 10th for xG - an indication of the cumulative quality of the chances they have created.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gareth Southgate has done it again - England 1 Switzerland 1 (England win 5-3 on penalties)The Mag
Read more »
Wayne Rooney says Gareth Southgate has 'killed' two England players at Euro 2024Rooney feels for the England duo.
Read more »
Euro 2024: England's Marc Guehi says players support Gareth SouthgateEngland defender Marc Guehi says 'everyone is behind' manager Gareth Southgate before the Euro 2024 last-16 meeting with Slovakia on Sunday.
Read more »
Euro 2024: England's Marc Guehi says players support Gareth SouthgateEngland defender Marc Guehi says 'everyone is behind' manager Gareth Southgate before the Euro 2024 last-16 meeting with Slovakia on Sunday.
Read more »
England fan who fell asleep during Euro 2024 bore draw aims dig at Gareth SouthgateSomehow, somehow, England end the group stage as group winners.
Read more »
Jude Bellingham speaks out on England fans and 'negativity' after Gareth Southgate targeted at Euro 2024Jude Bellingham touched on England's tremendous support out in Germany.
Read more »