WORLD CUP 2018 WAISTCOAT
Even now, four days after England’s semi-final defeat at the World Cup, their fans and pundits are riddled with a feeling of what might have been.
No one can argue the draw didn’t open up for them.
For the first time in living memory it felt like the famous trophy was there for the taking.
So they’re right to feel crushed.
But the truth is England’s sense of regret should stretch back further than four weeks in Russia.
There has undoubtedly been a different vibe around the Three Lions’ camp this time around.
It has been a more relaxed, open and friendly environment – and Gareth Southgate is key to that.
His calmness and composure in the dugout has seeped through to his players and that has resulted in some impressive England displays.
The players have spoken about being liberated by Southgate.
A fluid 3-1- 4-2 system that allows them to express themselves on the pitch. A freedom to play without pressure, weight of expectation or the ghost of 1966.
Ultimately, against Croatia on Wednesday night, they lacked quality when it mattered most.
No one in a white shirt was as good as Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric or Ivan Perisic. But it got you thinking. What could England’s Golden Generation have done if they had a gaffer with Southgate’s mindset?
In so many tournaments their worldclass players looked like they had shackles on.
At a time when England boasted genuine world-class talent the FA went abroad for a manager.
But listen to any of the players and they’ll say the rigidity of Sven Goran Eriksson or Fabio Capello’s set- up curtailed their progress. And the less said about Steve McClaren’s ineptitude in the job the better.
At World Cups or Euro finals, off the pitch the players were hid in hotels behind security walls.
Then locked into immovable 4- 4-2 formations on it.
Not to mention the shoehorning of gifted players into positions they weren’t comfortable in.
Remember when creative geniuses such as Paul Scholes, Joe Cole and Steve McManaman were shoved on to the flank, with no licence to roam?
Looking back, it was criminal to hamper that level of ability.
Make no mistake, England’s roster of players in the 2000s was better than the ones being called heroes now.
Look at the potential line-up, in the system that Southgate deployed this summer.
Since David Seaman’s retirement almost 16 years ago England haven’t had a top-class keeper.
Jordan Pickford has terrific potential but I’d put David James in as No.1.
At that time he was criticised for playing out from the back – now a prerequisite for a modern-day goalie.
At the back, a Southgate-type boss 10 years ago could have had a back three of Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
With all respect to Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire, they’re a level below their predecessors.
Terry is the best defender of the Premier League era while Ferdinand was a Rolls Royce of a stopper. In front