Readers on Southgate as England manager
David Dawber
“Southgate has had his chance, and he should have the self-awareness to realise someone else deserves a chance. Maybe he’s to blame for the players not showing enough bravery. He’s not the inspirational leader these players need, and he should step aside now, or else it will be the same outcome in two years.”
G.N.
“I saw a captain who was all but ineffective, I saw a ton of unused young talent left on the bench while Spain made substitution after substitution, I saw Spain had us pegged from the off, but we didn’t change our game plan. That’s all down to the manager, there are no excuses.”
Robert Edwards
“The tactics dictated by Southgate were negative. The essence of a manager is to get the best out of players. Southgate is a coach and not even that good of a coach. We looked to have a lot of outstanding players, indeed more than the much-vaunted Spain – but Spain had a manager.”
Jane Marple
“Gareth Southgate must stay as England manager – the players froze, and Jamie Carragher is right. They amble around until the other team scores, momentarily wake up as they did with the well-executed goal, and then normal service is resumed. The coach can’t be on the pitch with them.”
Matthew Sullivan
“Southgate did his very best, has brought the team to the final twice, and deserves thanks from the nation for that. What has happened to British courtesy and kindness?”
Pete Taylor
“Southgate was lucky with tournament draws and individual moments of brilliance from his players. They never looked like a team. He is playing an outdated, overly conservative strategy that will never work. He clings on to underperforming favourite players when everyone else can see that others deserve a chance.”
George Plum
“Southgate must go as he comes up short tactically, the top managers know how to change a team when the set-up is not working. They are also brutal when someone is not playing well. I think that Graham Potter would be a good option.“
I.N.C
“While Southgate’s results are pretty impressive and the history books will be favourable to him, I can’t say I’ll miss the hard-to-watch football if he goes – but I wouldn’t bet on anyone achieving better results.“
John Davies
“It’s time for change. Whilst Southgate has brought consistency (back-to-back finals), unfortunately, his inability to use substitutes to counter the opposition's changes of strategy was clearly obvious.”
David Haywood
“I've loved what Southgate has done with this team over the last eight years. There is, however, a time to leave and I'm afraid that is now.”