Is it actually coming home?

England were good, but let's all calm down a bit

After I have written numerous times about how I don’t rate Gareth Southgate as a manager, it is obvious that he will now lead England to a European title, right?

It’s actually coming home, right?

As I said on our Podcast last week, England are actually my outside bet to win it, but that is based on how good the squad is more than anything else. Even still, deep down I don’t think we can win it purely due to how good others are, and as much as beating Croatia on Sunday was a very good result for us, I think some of the reactions need to calm a little..

We won 1-0, and Croatia were VERY poor. I’ll start with the positives though..

Southgate selected a VERY good midfield three for us, and Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, and our boy Mason Mount absolutely bossed the match.

Tyrone Mings was good off the back of criticism and doubts surrounding him.

Raheem Sterling was very good in pockets, but still frustrating too often, despite taking his goal well.

Phil Foden also had some good moments.

England looked very solid, organised, and deserved to win and should have won by more.

However, the negatives..

Southgate starting a right footed full back at left back when he has Champions League winner Ben Chilwell, and in-form Luke Shaw in the same squad was just ludicrous.

So many times we got joy down the left, and a Chilwell or Shaw would have picked out Harry Kane in the middle a treat.

Jack Grealish for me is a must start in most teams, especially England. Sterling played well on the whole as I said, but Grealish must be starting over him for me. I’m not bashing Sterling, he took his goal well, and he is a good player, but Grealish is better.

Kyle Walker had a poor game, and I’m totally biased but Reece James starts over him every time for me, and probably for most neutrals as well.

England did well, and they got as very good result. But Croatia were terrible, and we will get tested a hell of a lot more than we did on Sunday in this competition.

But I do rate this group of England players, and I do totally understand Southgate going for experience in the first game. I will never rate Southgate as a tactical manager I’m afraid, but his man-management is great.

How good was Mase by the way? The kid is unreal. I really rate Phillips as well, what a player. Gutted for Chilwell, and I fear he will continue to miss out under Southgate. James not starting is just criminal.

Watch us bring it home now… It’s coming home.

Simon Phillips