Five games that defined an era: Southgate's England marches on
Gareth Southgate. The name is synonymous with a new era of English football. After years of underachievement and near misses, Southgate has instilled belief and a winning mentality back into the Three Lions. As England gears up for their crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 5 victories that have defined Southgate's reign.
The ghosts of the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia still lingered. But a sold-out Wembley, yearning for revenge, witnessed a transformed England side. Croatia struck first, sending shivers down spines. However, the response was emphatic.
Substitute Jesse Lingard's equaliser ignited the crowd, and a late winner from captain Harry Kane sealed a dramatic victory. This win not only secured a spot in the Nations League finals but also marked a turning point, proving England could overcome their nemesis.
A trip to Spain, a nation that had dominated England for decades. This time, the script was flipped. Southgate's men were a whirlwind of attacking energy. Raheem Sterling, previously struggling for goals, tore the Spanish defence apart with a brace.
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Kane, England's talismanic striker under Southgate // Picture Courtesy –The Japan Times
A clinical display from Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane sealed a historic 4-2 victory. This win sent shockwaves through the football world and announced England as a genuine force to be reckoned with.
The Euro 2021 semi-final at Wembley was a night etched in history. Denmark took the lead with a stunning free-kick, momentarily silencing the home crowd. However, England responded swiftly. A BukayoSaka cross deflected off a Danish defender for an own goal, ensuring parity at halftime.
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BukayoSaka scored the first goal against Denmark in this match // Picture Courtesy – The Mirror
The second half was a tense battle, but England wouldn't be denied. A controversial penalty awarded in extra time allowed Harry Kane to redeem himself after a missed spot-kick earlier. He converted the rebound, sending England to their first major tournament final in 55 years.
England's penalty woes were a national nightmare. However, the 2018 World Cup clash against Colombia was a turning point. After a tense encounter, the match went to penalties. The familiar anxiety returned, but this time, England held their nerve.
Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier converted their penalties, while Jordan Pickford made a crucial save. England had finally conquered their penalty demons, a victory that paved the way for a more confident future.
The clash against Germany was a heavyweight battle. The Germans dominated possession initially, but England grew into the game. The breakthrough came in the 75th minute. Raheem Sterling, a constant threat, finished off a well-worked move to send Wembley into a frenzy. Germany pushed for an equalizer, but their hopes were dashed when Thomas Muller squandered a golden opportunity.
A key player in Southgate's attacking revolution // Picture Courtesy – Wikipedia
In the dying minutes, Harry Kane rose highest to head home a second, sealing a famous victory. This win over their arch-rivals on the big stage marked a significant moment in Southgate's reign, silencing doubters and proving England could compete with the very best.
These five victories highlight the transformation of England under Gareth Southgate. From overcoming historical demons to dismantling European giants, England has rediscovered its winning mentality. As they face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal, the nation will be hoping Southgate's men can script another chapter in their glorious journey.
