)
Discover Gareth Southgate's most challenging moments with England highlighting pivotal matches that defined his controversial yet impactful tenure as manager.
During Gareth Southgate's eventful eight-year tenure as England manager there were numerous high points from World Cup semi-finals to back-to-back European Championship finals.
However, amidst these successes Southgate's journey was also marred by critical defeats that shaped his career and ultimately his resignation.
)
15:50 - 16.07.2024
Gareth Southgate throws in the towel after England’s Euro 2024 disappointment
Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager following Sunday’s Euro 204 final defeat to Spain, ending an impressive eight-year spell.
Pulse Sports looks at the five most pivotal losses that stand out during his time with England.
1. Euro 2020 final - Italy vs England (July 11, 2021)
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching of all, the Euro 2020 Final against Italy held at Wembley saw England's dream of "bringing it home" alive with Luke Shaw scoring early.
However, Italy clawed back into the game, leading to a 1-1 draw that extended into penalties.
)
09:19 - 16.07.2024
They are right to criticise: Mourinho refuses to back Southgate after EURO 2024 failure
Jose Mourinho has said the criticism directed towards England boss Gareth Southgate at EURO 2024 is justified.
Southgate's choice of penalty takers faced intense scrutiny after misses by Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka, sealing a defeat that reopened discussions about his tactical acumen in crucial moments.
2. World Cup semi-final - Croatia vs England (July 11, 2018)
Southgate's England entered the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup with the motto "Dare to Dream."
Leading early through a Kieran Trippier free-kick England seemed poised for the final.
However, as the game wore on Croatia's persistence paid off with Ivan Perisic equalizing and Mario Mandzukic delivering the devastating blow in extra time.
The loss was a bitter pill showing England's vulnerabilities in holding on to a lead under pressure.
3. Nations League semi-final - Netherlands vs England (June 6, 2019)
Following their World Cup heartbreak, England's next significant test came in the Nations League semi-finals.
Southgate's team, however, faltered against the Netherlands, with defensive errors by John Stones and Ross Barkley leading to a 3-1 defeat after extra time.
)
14:04 - 15.07.2024
Spain's Euro 2024 victory wins Kenyan musician nearly Ksh1 million
The popular rapper wagered a huge amount on the Spaniards to beat England and smiled to the bank after Luis de la Fuente’s men were crowned European champions.
The match raised questions about England's defensive discipline and Southgate’s ability to guide his team through tightly contested fixtures.
4. Euro 2020 qualifiers - Czech Republic vs England (October 11, 2019)
This match was England's first qualifying loss in a decade, with the Czech Republic outplaying the Three Lions in a 2-1 defeat.
The loss highlighted issues in midfield control and defensive stability, sparking debates over Southgate's selections and tactical setups in games that England were expected to dominate.
5. Euro 2024 group stage - England vs Slovenia (June 24, 2024)
The most recent and one of the significant low points came against Slovenia in the Euro 2024 group stage.
)
14:00 - 16.07.2024
Michael Olunga hails blooming partnership with Al Duhail's new Ksh1.4 billion acquisition from Lazio
Michael Olunga praises his partnership with a former Liverpool midfielder after both scored in a friendly for Al Duhail.
A goalless draw led to frustration boiling over among fans, with Southgate targeted by thrown plastic cups.
Although England reached the final of the tournament, this match underscored persistent critiques of Southgate’s conservative approach, especially given the attacking talents at his disposal.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)