My theory on why England are playing so shit (It's not just Southgate)
Added 2024-06-26 17:03:30 +0000 UTCEvening all, sorry that this is not the England based video you wanted, but for my own sanity I had to get these thoughts off my chest and because I trust and value your opinions I wanted to try them out on you before I consider embarrassing myself on YouTube. I appreciate most of you probably don't give a shit about the England football team and may well despise them, but for those that do I would really appreciate your honest thoughts!
England Part 5 is shaping up to be an epic whopper and we're still just about on schedule for Saturday night!
Comments
Hopefully you enjoyed last night too mate!! Can't quite believe how we've managed it
Lewis Kelly
2024-07-11 17:09:49 +0000 UTCGive the job to 'appy 'arry!
Jan Are Melgård
2024-06-30 00:59:31 +0000 UTCThe man in my profile photo would get a song out of those boys, I don’t doubt it for a second. I’m honestly waiting for us to get far by some miracle/sheer luck, then have to watch the media turn on a sixpence to praise Southgate for his group stage tactics that kept them rested…
Arrghjay
2024-06-29 17:30:54 +0000 UTCAs a Scot (who has just watched his own team he an embarrassment in Germany in person), there is something to the pressure side of it, but ultimately England are a much worse side with Southgate on charge than they would be with a competent manager. He should be getting far more out of the World Class players you have. Aside from France, you have man for man the best team in the tournament and should be smashing teams like Serbia and Slovenia. As your rivals, we are happy that you have Gareth in charge as it limits the likelihood of you actually winning something. Which is a real possibility with the players you have.
Iain Littler
2024-06-29 07:45:46 +0000 UTCalso he should be playng foden at the 9, formations a bit wonk for me
Erockdog
2024-06-29 04:59:26 +0000 UTCim american so vote doesnt count, but i do think it is the managers responsibility to prepare the players mentally for the game. That is in my opinion the biggest part of an international job, getting the melding and the vibes. southgate reminds me of berhalter for the us in that aspect of the managerial role
Erockdog
2024-06-29 04:57:21 +0000 UTCWhy are the England team not voting in the July 4th Election? They can't find the box let alone put a cross in it.
Gareth White
2024-06-28 12:48:30 +0000 UTCSpot on, Tom
Alex Callaghan
2024-06-28 09:47:24 +0000 UTCCheers Tom, interesting thoughts and nice to hear some positivity. Chiefly for Sunday I think we need a genuinely left footed player to start this weekend. If not Shaw (and I doubt he'll be fit, and there I do blame Southgate for not picking Chilwell), it's got to be Gordon or Eze. As a Man U 'fan' (sorry), I'd also pick Mainoo to start alongside Rice, and use Foden's return to the UK (for a very good reason, I know) as a diplomatic reason to leave him out without 'dropping' him. Love Saka, but I think Gordon deserves a shot down the right too. Oh, one piece of positivity - our defence has been great :D
LordLard
2024-06-27 21:40:18 +0000 UTCI like it! Just never start going into politics on your channel, please. It kills everything. (not that you ever had) This is a great video and it will receive lots of interaction from a specific group of people, large sections of which probably overlap with your usual audience :D
schemeau
2024-06-27 19:19:04 +0000 UTCThe only thing I give Gareth credit for is harmonising the squad. From the failed 'golden generation' of 2006 with world class players in every position (except our keeper) severely underachieving due to club cliques and so on, to a terrible squad on paper by comparison yet reaching semi-finals and finals almost through freed shackles and incredible vibes. He is a great ambassador, but an awful football manager. We, arguably again, have world class players in every position yet every single one of their strengths is limited in their instruction from Gareth it seems. Sitting back after scoring seems like a failure to recognise our best style football and form of defense is attacking, given our players. The biggest flaw of Southgate for me, is his refusal to adapt a failing system, or at least a refusal to recognise it. This concerns me going forward into the tournament given what is an incredibly favourable side of the draw. It helps his case that we have reached semi-finals and finals on paper however, as soon as we come up against what most would agree is a decent team - we've lost, and annoyingly it's through that timid style of football where we assume we can coddle a one goal lead. This is not to say I disagree with your points on pressure because I don't. If anything I agree our boisterous attitudes towards it has some impact. Though overall I also believe Southgate's highly defensive style not only invites pressure on the pitch from the opposition, but amplifies existing pressure from the nation. Scared tactics breeds scared mentality. Therefore, I place the glaringly large majority of shortcomings at Southgate's feet. There is no excuse for having the players we do to play like we do. It makes no sense logically or tactically. It's hard to apply the context of the Southgate tenure concisely so I apologise for the long winded message, and either way, you best believe I'll be screaming it's coming home until we're out of the tournament! Come on ENGERLANND
Daniel Alvares
2024-06-27 17:09:40 +0000 UTCLowkey lol there, thank you
James M Errington
2024-06-27 08:58:58 +0000 UTCI hate fotball
Anders
2024-06-27 05:33:26 +0000 UTCIt’s definitely a factor, Tom
Tom Hughes
2024-06-27 03:22:23 +0000 UTCHe may well be watching Geowizard patreon content rather than studying tactics
Ty Chatel
2024-06-27 02:47:59 +0000 UTCI PRAY Southgate somehow watches this. Such a balanced and positive veiw of the state of our performance thus far - totally agree!
Luc Curtis
2024-06-27 01:08:05 +0000 UTCI'm 19 years old and a massive football fan, and in the few major tournaments I can remember, I've come to realise England fans are the worst in the world. I've never seen negativity like it, towards any club or country. It frustrates me so much because what on earth are people trying to achieve by saying such stupid comments. Unfortunately I think we're in the minority Tom, and no number of comments and opinions shared will make a difference now. Just have to keep believing and hope the players find their confidence!! Come on England!!
Lewis Drabble
2024-06-26 23:29:47 +0000 UTCMostly agree with you on this, think it started with Graham Taylor, he had an absolute mauling from the media and it's been a poisoned chalice ever since. Also remember that our players have on average a busier year than some others, just the sheer number of games if you're in with PL + FA cup + League cup + Europe, this also means the players have less time to train together.
James M Errington
2024-06-26 20:11:26 +0000 UTCNegativity on social media will always be rampant because sensationalism generates the most clicks. Unfortunately to appreciate most things related to sports you have to ignore the 24/7 media cycle or accept how incompetent it is. I liked this style of video I think I speak for many people that we love to hear your opinion on things.
Steven Hocker
2024-06-26 19:50:04 +0000 UTCThe fans inside the ground last night were electric though. Singing all game, surely that’s getting behind them? It would be nice to see them react to the fans and feed off that energy. The negative responses are only caused by the lacklustre performances. Something isn’t right though, the players body language is off. Maybe it is the pressure? But I’d argue that Man City were under more pressure to win 4 prem titles in a row and we have those players in our squad. Anyway, it’s still coming home!
Sam Russell
2024-06-26 19:35:06 +0000 UTCI couldn’t agree more. I think we’ve got to look at ourselves and the media as the real villains. As much as we’ve got the best players in the world those other teams have got a lot of the rest of them.
Craig Cooper
2024-06-26 19:28:56 +0000 UTCScottish person here (sorry). I think the Premier League has a lot to do with it. It's the best league in the world and we all love watching it. It creates the expectation that the England squad will come together and play like a top club side because we're used to seeing these players in top club sides. Also, it's not just England - the majority of teams at the euros haven't turned up. Almost every team looks afraid of losing rather than playing the way they know they can. As for Southgate I think his time is up and I do wonder what would have happened in previous tournaments if they had a slightly more adventurous manager. Couldn't quite believe some 'fans' launching beers at him that's never going to be right. Good luck England.
Jon Banks
2024-06-26 19:00:09 +0000 UTCI know fuck all about football. When I watch England or Scotland play I watch to see who wins and who doesn’t. I know basics and no more. I tuned in for the last 20 mins of the game just gone and from a completely inexperienced, untrained eye, even I could see it wasn’t right. They always seem to play in such a lacklustre way with no real drive or fight. I just feel like they or management (or both) feel that they don’t really care to win for whatever reason. It’s lazy and sloppy and no where near as passionate from the team or the viewer as it was back in the day of 3 Lions (on a shirt). It’s interesting you say about that negative loop because they could well be deflated from being booed walking out and shite in the press about them - it will have an effect. However that comes back to Southgate, he should have a way to work past that in my opinion. I’m not particularly patriotic but I am indeed (painfully) nostalgic. Is this part of the issue?
Hannah Samuels-Lyons
2024-06-26 18:38:34 +0000 UTCit's one job of the manager (among many others) to handle the egos and emotions of the players, to control how the media narratives impact the team. the expectations should be filtered through him, and if the players aren't up to snuff then at least in part the blame has to fall on Southgate.
Adam
2024-06-26 18:25:45 +0000 UTCArgentinian here, i have not been watching the eurocup, but i thought i'd take this chance to say i was actually hoping England would beat France at the last world cup. We got the greatest world cup final of all time (and won!) so no complaints. But it would have been very exciting to play England at the final.
Fran Ebarlin
2024-06-26 18:24:44 +0000 UTCYou think you have it rough? I am from The Netherlands! Just kidding Tom, I understand you pain a lot.
Ewoud van Aalst
2024-06-26 18:19:17 +0000 UTCDon't worry Tom, as a Belgian i just watch the Belgium match. It was an abomination. We are qualified and that's the end of it. But as long as you're in the tournament you still have a chance!
Daan Vandewalle
2024-06-26 18:16:31 +0000 UTCDavies for England. I have been against Southgate since he took over. I can’t believe this man has been in the job for over 8 years. He was poor at club level, not sure why the powers that be thought he could manage top players. I believe we have the talent, but it is being stifled by Southgate. He was a good stopgap manager, after we were shocking under Hodgson, to bring the squad and country together. But he is not good enough. Think of it this way, would you have Southgate as manager of your club? As a Newcastle fan, I would not. The national team manager should be the cream of the crop imo! But, I hope he can prove me wrong. Come on England.
Daniel Mein
2024-06-26 18:02:56 +0000 UTCas an American with no idea what's going on in European sports i watched the highlights of last nights England vs Slovenia and well, it was definitely a game, but i totally agree that England could do a lot better without all the weight on their shoulders they just seemed tense and nervous so I agree Tom BACK YOUR BOYS!
Ajay Mankey
2024-06-26 17:59:45 +0000 UTCAs an Italian I would be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy England losing, at the same for people like you Tom that have been waiting for a win for so long I understand that pain and in a sense I would like to see that win finally going your way cause you deserve it. As for the current situation my outside perspective is that Southgate is the main culprit, I mean he just looks way out of his depth, that said he is not the only culprit. The players are surely playing a part in it, many big names are underperforming whether is for nerves or fitness. And surely I understand that fans get passionate after such underwhelming performances, especially considering that like you mentioned you were hailed as one of the favourites by you own media, it's normal to see criticism but when that becomes toxicity then it's definitely wrong cause you are not helping anybody, just venting your own feelings. So I agree that being more supportive would be very important, at least until the end of the tournament, then and only then draw your conclusions and if you believe so start calling for people heads. But right about now it doesn't serve any purpose, if anything it adds more fuel to the fire. Btw loved this kind of video, would love to see more of these in the future if you feel like you have something to share!
Emanuele Scintu
2024-06-26 17:57:08 +0000 UTCSouthgate’s tournament tactics are actually really clever. I’m not a fan of the “win 1-0” stuff but he knows that’s the best way to win these things. Most of the games so far have been low scoring, tight borefests and there’s a reason for that. Ultimately you get no trophies for playing the best football, only winning the most games. (I was raised with Kevin Keegan’s kamikaze football so it greatly pains me to have to write all that)
Jack Flash
2024-06-26 17:49:46 +0000 UTCHaha definitely don't agree with your very last statement, we finally have a penalty killer with Verbruggen! Excited though to see what happens when it comes to that. For the rest though I really like the general vibe and that you want to send positivity and actually encourage your team!
Edward
2024-06-26 17:49:44 +0000 UTCI couldn’t agree with you more Tom. The media are t#@ts.
Mark Furniss
2024-06-26 17:46:41 +0000 UTCI'm German but somehow now I wanna see England win :D
Johannes Bräuer
2024-06-26 17:39:11 +0000 UTCI think you have nailed it Tom, drop the non performing players get the players in that seem to relish the pressure. And go and lose on penalties!!! LOL Tom Davies for next Engeeeerland Manager!!
Steve Wainwright
2024-06-26 17:32:45 +0000 UTC🤣
Lewis M
2024-06-26 17:30:02 +0000 UTCAppreciate the sentiment but Southgate is evidently clueless.
RYAN J SANDERS
2024-06-26 17:27:21 +0000 UTCThere’s clearly a lot of toxicity going around with all the online articles and comments, but I think it’s telling that the match-going fans have had enough of it too. I would too if I’d have spent thousands of pounds to travel and watch those last few games. You may be right about the pressure, but if they want to be winners they need mental strength. All of the best winners have talent AND mental strength. I’d drop Foden for the next game and start Palmer. I still think we’ll probably bore our way to the semi-final or the final.
Lewis M
2024-06-26 17:27:00 +0000 UTCAs a Scotsman, having endured what I've endured for 3 decades and this tournament in particular. Hearing the English complain about WINNING their group makes me laugh. 😂😂😂 But yeah, I get it.
Calum Stevens
2024-06-26 17:24:28 +0000 UTCAbsolutely nailed it. We win and everyone expects the moon on a plate, we lose a game we instantly turn on our own.. you don’t see other countries doing this, not to this extent, they get behind their national team in the losses too with an upbeat attitude
Huw Ramsay
2024-06-26 17:20:57 +0000 UTC“Just about on schedule” sounds a lot like it’s not going to be ready on Saturday.
Dan Melone
2024-06-26 17:20:04 +0000 UTCIn the U.S. we hate Gregg (our manager) too
Hayden Hook
2024-06-26 17:18:13 +0000 UTCHopefully we step it up now something’s at stake! Keep the faith. It’s coming home.
Joe Gallant
2024-06-26 17:13:11 +0000 UTCVery interesting video Tom, I don’t follow football but it was intriguing listening to your thoughts on the subject.
Eli Norris
2024-06-26 17:11:39 +0000 UTC
