Gareth Southgate staying on as England manager

I’ve been a big supporter of Southgate’s and I defended him after losing to Croatia in 2018, and Italy in 2020. Even this year, I think he assembled and motivated a great young team.

But even I think it may be time for him to pass the torch.

In my bed-ridden covid haze, I rewatched the 2006 Germany-Italy semi-final (great game!). It was astonishing to see how — at 0-0 in extra time — Lippi kept substituting in new attackers. It wasn’t just a go-for-broke desire to win, but it showed confidence that his exhausted defenders and his keeper could keep the Germans at bay.

I can’t imagine Southgate wanting to win more than he fears losing — I think he still carries that psychology with him from his playing days.

It's been announced that he's stopping on a manager

I didn't want him in charge in the first place, and it's the latest in a number of FA wrong decisions (and people think FIFA is the worst you can get!). Still, only another 18 months of him, if we're all spared anyway.

I dunno, I kinda like the ‘calm’ that he’s brought to the whole set-up.

I remember all the drama that went into the England camps for the four or five preceding tournaments. From dentist chair piss-ups and Glen Hoddle’s voodoo, to Sven shagging all the secretaries and dining with fake sheiks, Allardyce’s dodgy dealing, the WAGs in Baden-Baden, the Terry Mutiny in South Africa, etc. etc. It was all metatarsals, hairstyles and midfield conundrums for 20 years!

The last three tournaments have felt refreshingly drama-free, and I give Southgate credit for that.

Admittedly, that humdrum workaday professionalism only gets you so far. So maybe a little controlled chaos will inject a bit of passion in the side. But at least it doesn’t feel like the house is on fire all the time.

Looking at the poll so far it's 6 want Southgate in, 6 want him out and 1 doesn't care.

Penalty shoot out to decide the outcome anyone?

Personally, I don't care, England won't win anything. 1966 was a one off. England are a quarter final team in the main. So, it makes no odds who's in charge!