England Team: The Mark of the Stuntman

(Baonghean.vn) - Although he was only given the temporary responsibility to lead the England team for 4 matches. However, coach Gareth Southgate is showing his mark by leading the Three Lions team to unexpected success.

Recently, the name Southgate has become the focus of attention of experts and football fans. That is because, if there was no scandal related to money of coach Sam Allardyce forcing him to reluctantly say goodbye to the Three Lions team quickly after one match in charge, the name Gareth Southgate would not be known to many fans.

Because, while not finding a suitable strategist, FA promoted the coach of the England U21 team - Southgate to temporarily lead the Three Lions team for 4 matches. This is considered a somewhat risky decision, because in his coaching career, Southgate has not had any outstanding achievements.

He only helped Middlesbrough stay in the Premier League in 2007/08, then were relegated the following season. By October 2009, Southgate even lost his job at Middlesbrough. Even when he was the head coach of England U21 (2013-2016), Southgate's achievements were not very impressive. He helped England U21 qualify for the 2015 European U21 Championship. However, in that tournament, Southgate and his students were eliminated and finished at the bottom of Group B.

Interim coach Southgate is making a strong impression while leading the England team.

With a poor record and lack of experience in leading a big team, many people are skeptical about the possibility of success of the England team under interim coach Southgate. Perhaps, his biggest highlight is understanding and having a lot of time to work with young players. The current England team has a very young and talented squad. Many English players, such as: John Stones, Harry Kane, Jesse Lingard... were former students of Southgate. Therefore, the FA only temporarily assigned this strategist to lead the Three Lions team for 4 matches before making an official decision.

After 4 matches in charge of the Three Lions, Southgate has forced experts and fans to have a different view of him. The former England international has proven that he is capable of leading the Three Lions.

Under the guidance of the 46-year-old strategist, the England team is showing quite convincing performance. They are unbeaten in 4 matches, winning 2 matches, drawing 2 matches, scoring 7 goals and conceding only 2 goals. Among them are convincing victories with a difference of 2 goals to Malta and 3-0 against Scotland. Most recently, in a friendly match against a team that is rated higher, the Spanish team at home at Wembley. The Three Lions had a good match and dominated the opponent for most of the match. It was not until the goal in the last minute of injury time that La Roja earned a draw.

To achieve unexpected results in 4 matches leading the England team, interim coach Southgate has breathed new life into the playing style as well as ignited the fighting spirit of the Three Lions. He boldly removed captain Rooney from the squad to make room for young, enthusiastic players with a strong desire to show themselves. In addition, this 46-year-old strategist is also very flexible in operating the playing style depending on each opponent.

The Three Lions are showing progress under interim coach Southgate.

One notable point is that in all the past matches, Southgate reminded fans of the personality strategists like Antino Cote and Juergen Klopp when instead of sitting in one place on the coaching bench, he went to the sidelines to shout and urge his players to compete regardless of whether it was an official match or just a friendly match. This is a huge difference compared to previous coaches and is also what the Three Lions need when they often encounter psychological problems in major tournaments.

Although at present, the FA has not yet made an official decision on Southgate's future. However, with the encouraging results in recent times, this 46-year-old strategist is proving to be suitable to sit on the "hot seat" to lead the England team in the near future.

Cao Anh