We should be proud of England’s glorious failure this time, says Matthew Nash.
No blame game needed
England and penalties. Penalties and England. An unshakeable bond that refuses to break.
The striker does not deserve the criticism that has come his way from some on social media. He equalled Wayne Rooney’s record 53 England goals at Al Bayt and led by example, the figurehead of the team surrounded by talented young players. The penalty will be hard to escape but Bukayo Saka has shown in Qatar it is possible to come out the other side.
In this game, Southgate stuck to his guns, keeping an unchanged XI and resisting the temptation to go to five at the back. No time for panic. No changing a winning team. England did not drift, as they had in the Euro final or the World Cup semi with Croatia. They grew this time.
The moment came and Kane could not convert a second penalty. And in that one kick, their hopes were gone. Despite everything England threw at it, the chance slipped through their fingers. No blame for Southgate or Kane, this time England left it all out on the pitch and did not die wondering. It was a valiant effort but ultimately not quite enough. The pain never gets any easier, though, does it? Penalties. Again. Really?
Gareth right to think carefully
So what next for Southgate? He did not look or sound like a man who relished two more years in the job after Saturday’s exit. In fact, it might be a shock if he does stay on. But he should seriously consider leading England into Euro 2024.
He is so close – this team can win a trophy. The squad is full of talent and with more luck and some ruthlessness, they will get over the line. Southgate, however, may not want two more years of dealing with the issues that come with the job after riding that particular rollercoaster since 2016.
Saka seizes moment in the sun
Saka’s performance in spells against France underlines just what a talent Arsenal and England have on their hands. Jude Bellingham is some player, too, and will surely go on to be the best midfielder in the world given his progress at 19.
Phil Foden, 22, is also special but Saka shone on the biggest stage of all and drove England to get back into the game at 1-0 down. The 21-year-old has it all ahead of him.
Griez is the word
After all the talk about Kylian Mbappe, and the spotlight on the forward leading up to the tie, it was Antoine Griezmann who dissected England at two key moments, his assists creating the goals which won the match for France.
He was almost flawless, making playing at this level look easy with his slick passing. Mbappe barely threatened and that is testament to Kyle Walker’s dogged determination after a nervy opening. But still France found a way and that was down to the peerless Griezmann.
MORE : Rio Ferdinand claims Gareth Southgate ‘let us down’ during England’s World Cup defeat to France
MORE : Arsene Wenger speaks out on England’s decision to let Harry Kane take two penalties against France
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