England’s manager reflects on a ‘cruel lesson’ and will know the lost semi-final may have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
It was coming up for 1am local time when Gareth Southgate walked back out to acknowledge the England supporters inside the Luzhniki Stadium who were refusing to leave until he gave them one more appearance. He waved politely. He dropped his water bottle and applauded back. Briefly he scratched his head and blew out his cheeks a little, as if he could not quite believe they were still there, waiting for him, singing that song again. He waved again. He bowed. But it was unmistakable sadness etched on his face.
Related: Mind the gap: Southgate’s challenge now is bridging promise and triumph | Barney Ronay
Written by Daniel Taylor in Repino
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/12/gareth-southgate-sanguine-england-semi-final-defeat-missed-chance-call-composure under the title “Gareth Southgate sanguine as he calls for extra composure against ‘top teams’”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
