WORST NIGHT I’VE HAD COVERING ENGLAND...
THE pain of that night in Nice is etched in my memory.
It was the worst defeat, the worst performance and the worst moment in more than 20 years of covering England. It was also surreal.
You never dreamed England would lose to Iceland. Even after falling 2-1 behind in the 18th minute, you always thought it would just be a matter of time before they equalised.
Looking back, it is a reminder of just how far they have come under Gareth Southgate – and how difficult it used to be to play for England.
It should be the pinnacle of any English player’s career. But the truth is that it had become a burden.
Yes, really. A burden because the pressure of not losing was greater than the enjoyment of victory.
Players were scared to pull on the shirt and that was so obvious to see in the performance against Iceland.
The fear got to the players. They were overwhelmed by it. They were inhibited, unable to play simple passes and create chances.
It is often compared to England’s 1-0 defeat by the USA in Brazil in the 1950 World Cup. That was long before I was born, but I would argue that Iceland was worse because England were packed with stars while Iceland were seen as complete underdogs.
There was almost an acceptance that Roy Hodgson would get a new contract if England did well in that European Championship in France.
But losing to Iceland in the last 16 meant the end was inevitable.
That defeat seems a world away after Southgate’s revolution. It is hard to believe it was just four years ago – but also a timely reminder that you can never take anything for granted.
THERE are likely to be only two survivors from the 2016 team in tomorrow’s starting line-up.
Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling started that ill-fated match against Iceland in Nice, but they have come on leaps and bounds since that disastrous campaign.
Tottenham striker Kane was forced to take corners at those Euros, much to everyone’s disbelief. Lo and behold, Kane has now become just as prolific for England as he is for his club.
Sterling was struggling for confidence and was replaced after an hour by Jamie Vardy as England crashed out to Iceland. Now he is a popular national hero and a world-class talent.
Kyle Walker has a chance of starting tomorrow, but more likely as part of a back three than at right-back which he played back then. Funny how things change.
Joe Hart getting himself too hyped before games could be seen in the tunnel shouting and screaming. Wayne Rooney was playing in midfield. Chris Smalling was in central defence, while Daniel Sturridge played up front.
The turnover of players in just three years under Gareth Southgate has been ruthless, as he ditched the old established names and gone for a new, young generation.