No but the knockout games we've lost only 1 was against a side we really shouldnt be losing to..which makes the point of never winning a knockout game since 96 a bit more understandable
So beating Germany could be considered a massive success for us and Southgate has evidently improved us in that regard, right?
Our teams in 2002-2010 really should’ve done better. Losing to a Brazil side when we had the lead, a Portugal team we were probably better than and a got hammered by Germany team we shouldn’t have even played because we managed to balls up a very kind group stage.
Also as I stated the word Cup and euros format has changed leading to potential easier games in the knockouts ..its definitely had an impact
We've only beaten 1 top 10 side in the last 3 tournaments mentioned by mucca
Italy beat 3 alone to win this tournament
Sweden topped their group in both 2018 and 2021ahead of Germany then Spain - they also knocked Italy out to qualify in 2018 too. Clearly they’re a decent team despite a lack of superstars.
We would’ve played Spain the quarters had they finished first in a routine group for them. Who also needed extra time to beat Croatia and penalties to beat Switzerland. They’re very much in transition too and Italy were fortunate to beat Spain.
Denmark are underrated too. For all the plaudits Italy have got for their 34 game unbeaten streak, Denmark have lost 4 games in 30.
I just don’t understand the self-deprecation. Finding ways to discredit our runs.
You get to a semi-final or a final, you’ve had to play some decent teams to get there. Southgate has surpassed expectations in both tournaments he’s been in. Therefore, he’s a been a successful manager to date.
Worth noting that Southgate’s win % is higher than all his contemporaries bar Capello.