Everybody expects the Spanish inquisition. But England could have the answers.
Everybody expects the Spanish inquisition. But England could have the answers.
10 things from a wonderful day and night in Dortmund.
Everybody expects the Spanish inquisition. It’ll come from out wide, it’ll come through the middle, it’ll come through short passing and long. It will come, inevitably. Spain are rightly the favourites, the team of the tournament, packed with players like Rodri and Lamine Yamal who’ll be in the Uefa Team of the Tournament. But England have resilience in the teeth of adversity, they have supreme togetherness and unbelievable options from the bench. England have a fighting chance because they have a fighting spirit.
Futsalute. Kobbie Mainoo is only 19, has played less than six hours’ football for England, and looks to have been in elite midfields for six hours. His futsal background gives him the confidence to take the ball under pressure, and the enhanced decision-making to use it shrewdly. His Manchester United academy background gives him the personality to deal with pressure. He’s fearless. To think it was less than a month ago that there were widespread concerns over who should partner Declan Rice. England owe a debt to futsal.
Jimmy Jimmy. So good, he should really be named twice. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, what a star, and what a clever addition to England’s coaching cadre. One of the myriad joys of arriving early to watch England training in Blankenhain has been a friendly nod or smile from the strikers’ coach, one of life’s upbeat characters, as he ambles on to the pitch. Hasselbaink’s expertise as a forward has obviously been important, working on finishing practice with Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins. He knows their trade and the pressures they can be under. But his influence is even broader on the whole squad. Being such an engaging figure, Hasselbaink inevitably lifts spirits with a smile, an encouraging word or simply the wisdom of his years and experiences. It also reflects well on his professionalism that the Dutchman was so focused on England in Dortmund – until after the final whistle when consoling his crestfallen compatriots.
Arise Sir Gareth. Whatever happens in Berlin, Southgate has done more than enough for the country to deserve a significant honour, especially when you see the identity of some recipients. He will have encouraged more kids to play football, so helping the battle against childhood obesity. He will have engendered a feelgood mood in the nation and doubtless helped the hospitality and beverage industry. Whatever the legitimate quibbles about game management in some matches, and past tournaments, Southgate has proved an impressive leader, changing the culture and the mood around the national team. He’s put the pride back in the lions.