Fair play to Southgate. So much more than the butt of a dozen crappy jokes about an under-par golden generation. He has his head firmly screwed on in football. He looked average as a manager at Middlesbrough and dropped into the ranks of England. Unlike many who do that, he didn't drift off or head to Spain, or punditry too often. His spell as temporary gaffer wasn't groundbreaking (the games weren't huge tests, except Spain where a 2-0 lead was chucked away). But, the FA appointed him and for once they gambled on fresh blood with all the qualities of a modest manager and someone who keeps the game simple. He has benefitted from the role of FA's head of elite development. He seems to know the future youth players well and his squad selection seemed geared to building for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. Best thing out of Watford since Philip Glenister (or Ginger Spice?).
Remember that game versus Boro we played on our away kit at home. Southgate had his bonce wrapped up and played a blinder. We drew. They went to Europe. That's the kind of spirit England need, and not that of Rooney or Beckham with their egos and sponsorship deals following them. Look at Messi, he has more minutes advertising per year and it never paid off. Same for Ronaldo. Graft and the kind of grinding football that Leicester City did, with flare, that's the future in cups. And, City can learn from this England spirit.
