Gareth Southgate has said what we’ve all been thinking about the England team, branding it as a “mess” following the 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
Southgate has taken over the squad amid a storm of controversy, including Roy Hodgson stepping down following a torrid Euro 2016 campaign, and short-lived replacement Sam Allardyce being forced to resign with only one match under his belt following a corruption scandal, in which he was secretly recorded offering undercover reporters the opportunity to bypass the FA’s transfer regulations.
Although Southgate stated that he was glad that the England team is on-track for World Cup qualification, he admitted that there are a number of problems with the squad.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Southgate said: “I can’t thank the players and support team enough for the backing I have had. The four points from the position we were in last Tuesday… we wanted six, we would have liked to have scored more goals in the two games.
“But we have taken over a mess really and had to steady the ship. With the overall objective of qualifying, we have kept the team on track.
“The overall objective is to qualify so, long term, that could be an important point. Everyone can see we could be better but their chances came from our mistakes or set pieces.”
Southgate was praised prior to the Slovenia match for benching Wayne Rooney, who has been struggling with form for both his country and club. Although Rooney sat out the match, the change of tactics didn’t help inspire the team to a victory, with them instead continuing to falter on the attack and finding themselves nearly bested by their rivals on a few occasions.
Although the draw resulted in the odds of Southgate remaining full-time England manager increasing, it will at least be heartening for England fans to hear someone associated with the squad acknowledging the state of the team, and seeking to change it. Hopefully whoever replaces Allardyce will be up to the task.
