The fact that England have gone 55 years without winning either the World Cup or the European Championships is not really seen as a big deal in the soccer world. The country known as the birthplace of the modern game has built a reputation for underachievement that leaves no one shocked when they fail on the biggest stage.
But all that could be about the change as England contest their second semi-final in three years, against a team they are expected to beat. So, what are the odds on England v Denmark at the Euros? And do the Three Lions really have a chance of going all the way?
A semi-final in our sights! ???? pic.twitter.com/zt20hINFEK
— England (@England) July 5, 2021
Ahead of the semi-finals England are 3/4 (-133) to beat Denmark and 2/1 (+200) favorites to win the tournament despite the presence of Italy and Spain. What’s more, there is a different atmosphere to previous years as the entire England camp seems to be operating under an air of unity and calmness. Could the psychological weight that has burdened teams of years gone by, finally have been lifted by the excellent man management skills of Gareth Southgate?
The Club v Country Conundrum
England’s failure to dominate on the international stage has always defied their status at club level where the Premier League is seen as the pinnacle of the game. The English top flight is the richest in the world and regularly produces teams who compete at the highest club level. The Champions League (formerly known as the European Cup) is Europe’s elite club competition and has been won by English clubs 14 times, a record only bettered by Spain with 18. German clubs have won the competition eight times, while only one French club has ever won the competition. Despite this, both France and Germany have excelled on the international stage with Germany winning four World Cups and three European Championships and France winning two World Cups and two Euros.
Psychological Hurdles
There are many theories to explain England have failed on the international stage but overly high expectations compared to their actual ability has definitely hampered them over the years. There was always a feeling that England should go into a tournament expecting to win – and the pressure to perform combined with the harsh media reaction to defeat put players in the wrong mindset before a ball had even been kicked. No one in the England camp understood the effects of that pressure more than Gareth Southgate, who was put through the media wringer following his penalty miss in the semi-finals of Euro 1996.
A Clean Slate
The fact that Southgate is now leading the national team is perhaps the greatest sign to the players that failure does not finish you. He has used that experience to change the mindset of the team and the whole country, while also disposing of Germany in the process. The baggage of years gone by has been tossed aside, the slate has been wiped clean and the fear of failure has been eliminated.
“He’s taken it to another level – it is coming home!” ⚽️????????????????????????????
Is #ENG‘s success down to the unity and camaraderie that Gareth Southgate has instilled in the squad?
This fan hails the harmony he’s created amongst the camp ????#BBC606 pic.twitter.com/CgFhyOowbp
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) July 4, 2021
England have finally shaken off their losing mentality and have never been better placed to compete at the top level – even if they don’t end their 55-year wait this time around.
