5) Going back to basics worked
More praise for Southgate to end with – he has reaped the rewards of some absolute basics of football management that should not be ignored.
While previous managers – Fabio Capello in particular – have treated England players like children, Southgate has created a great spirit in the squad that has captured the hearts of the nation.
England even won a penalty shoot-out, with Southgate’s new approach widely praised as the team practised them in a different way and gained the confidence needed to end terrible run on spot-kicks.
Hard work, practise, respect – these are the values that must continue to be the cornerstone of England’s approach under this manager and following ones as they can surely use this fine World Cup as a base to build on for even better things in the future.
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