As we enter the final 24 hours before England play their first final in 55 years, it has made me think about timing or luck that plays a huge part in football.
Whether it’s a young player getting his chance due to an injury or a manager who believes in him or whether is a favourable cup run that can change the fortunes of a player or manager under pressure as just two examples, Euro2020 becoming Euro2021 has helped Southgate immensely with his squad selection and ultimately his starting XI.
If this tournament had been played last year as it should, would Foden/Stones/Walker have been in the squad? Phil had yet the make his debut and the Yorkshire duo were out of favour being left out of squads along with Luke Shaw. Grealish didn’t make his debut until August 2020, Phillips September 2020, Saka October 2020. So four out of the starting XI and three impact players who have made an impression in this tournament were not involved at all.
The last game before Covid included starts for Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hudson-Odoi, Winks and the game before that had Barkley and Keane.
Is there any other examples of timing in football that has changed that player, manager or clubs fortunes based on a moment that has been forced on them?
Whether it’s a young player getting his chance due to an injury or a manager who believes in him or whether is a favourable cup run that can change the fortunes of a player or manager under pressure as just two examples, Euro2020 becoming Euro2021 has helped Southgate immensely with his squad selection and ultimately his starting XI.
If this tournament had been played last year as it should, would Foden/Stones/Walker have been in the squad? Phil had yet the make his debut and the Yorkshire duo were out of favour being left out of squads along with Luke Shaw. Grealish didn’t make his debut until August 2020, Phillips September 2020, Saka October 2020. So four out of the starting XI and three impact players who have made an impression in this tournament were not involved at all.
The last game before Covid included starts for Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hudson-Odoi, Winks and the game before that had Barkley and Keane.
Is there any other examples of timing in football that has changed that player, manager or clubs fortunes based on a moment that has been forced on them?