I have long been a critic of Southgate’s tactical naivety and overly cautious approach.
Not enough to change my mind about his eight years but last night was the first time he has sent out a team to play as a genuine back three. Previous back threes have always been back fives with a sitting midfielder in front of them. Credit where credit is due.
If he had remembered to bring a fit left wing back to the tournament that would have been comfortably his most positive line up in an important game in his whole career.
He obviously did not spot that Trippier spent the last 3 or 4 months of the season dealing with injuries and poor form for Newcastle. He has been ineffective (by his usual high standards) when playing on the right so playing him on the left was high risk and has been a major factor in the lack of fluidity.
He also (as is usual) left his substitutions 15 or 20 minutes late.
He has however, stumbled on that number one quality that all tournament winning managers have. He is on a lucky streak.
Hope it lasts right through 2 more games. If it does I will be delighted to be proved to be wrong about Southgate for 8 years.
