Gareth Southgate: ‘We came here thinking we could win the tournament so tonight is very difficult’
- Macdara Ferris
- Sun, Dec 11 2022
Following England’s failure defeat to France in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final, Gareth Southgate will take some time to decide if he is to continue on in his current role as manager of his country.
“When I finish these tournaments I need time to make the correct decision and it is right to take some time to do that,” said Southgate when faced with questions about his future.
Having led his team to a semi-final, final and now quarter-final in his last three tournaments, Southgate felt his side’s performance was one of the best of his tenure but ultimately it wasn’t enough. They exit the tournament after Harry Kane failed to slot home his second penalty kick of the game to at least take the tie in the Al Bayt stadium to extra-time.
“Harry is very very low but he has nothing to reproach himself for,” said Southgate speaking in the post-match press conference. “We are in the position we are as team because of his leadership and goals. When you get a second penalty and a goalkeeper (in Hugo Lloris) that knows you really well adds to (the pressure). Even the best can miss. There is nobody else I want in that situation.
“The players know how close they have come. They have pushed a top nation all the way with more possession and more attempts on goal. We came here thinking we could win the tournament so tonight is very difficult. Tonight is the best we have played against a major nation during my time but we fell short.
“The team have really improved through the tournament. We didn’t look out of place. There are so many good things that they have done and there is excitement when you see the age of the players. Some young players have announced themselves on the world stage. They showed the balls to go toe-to-toe with a big team. We showed the rest of the world that English football is healthy.”
Southgate wasn’t drawn into a discussion about the referee with Brazilian official Wilson Sampaio facing criticism elsewhere after the game. “We lost the game. I don’t want to speak about referees. I want to compliment France and we wish them well. I don’t think it is right to speak about the officials when you lose.”
About Macdara Ferris
Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile
