As always, England has left the World Cup early.
But, as almost never before, the defeat not only has not caused a cataclysm and a cascade of reproaches, but quite the opposite: the public and critics seem to agree that England has gone this time with its head held high and, although they admit that France did As many merits as they do to continue in the competition, they feel persecuted by chance... and by the referee.
It is what in politics is called sweet defeat.
Sweet, perhaps;
but defeat in the end.
In other words, England believes that it has a future.
A generation in tatters has not left Qatar, but rather a young and promising team led by young talents such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice, who suggest a bright future.
Bellingham is now not only England's most sought-after player, but also the only English star to play in a foreign league.
Trained at Birmingham City, in July 2020 he ignored Manchester United's offers and preferred to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and emigrate to the Bundesliga.
Why?
Because with just turned 17 he thought it was more important to play for Borussia Dortmund than to warm up the bench at United.
One question mark: the manager, Gareth Southgate.
His continuity seems to depend more on his own will than on the environment.
Swollen and a large part of the critics appreciate his calm in difficult moments and his ability to generate a harmonious team.
He has said that he has to think about his future and that he has lived through very difficult times in the last 18 months.
Not surprising, given the appalling role played by England in the Nations League, the half-joking, half-serious tournament that UEFA has invented to generate the interest (and money) that friendly matches didn't. .
But not all analyzes are generous.
Some, like Jonathan Northcroft in The Times, take issue with Southgate for choosing to zone-mark an old-style striker like Olivier Giroud in the decider against France rather than dedicate a mark to the man as Wayne Rooney had suggested in a previous article.
And he also criticizes the delay and doubtful success of the changes.
There is also a lively debate about Kane taking the second penalty.
Not because he is not a good shooter (the best in England) but because the success rate for second shots is significantly lower and, in retrospect, is considered essential, because his Tottenham teammate was in front of him 10 years ago. years, Hugo Lloris.
Lloris did not stop the shot but his presence seemed to help Kane take his second penalty with less confidence and shoot it into the clouds.
Other critics of Southgate, such as Jonathan Liew in The Guardian, question whether he is the right coach for short competitions such as a World Cup or a Euro Cup and believe that this England would be world champions if it were a League.
And he underlines in this sense that France is dominated by players who have worked in recent years with Ancelotti, who has won five Leagues and four Champions, while in England there are many who have worked under Guardiola (10 Leagues and two Champions ), creator of long-haul teams.
Liew also wonders if in reality the problem with this England is that it is not as hungry for victory as it seems and sweet defeats and connection with the general public are enough.
“Did the players and Southgate really feel enough need to win this World Cup?
Did they need to win it as much as Messi needs to win it?
Wanting it, fighting for it, trying your best, is one thing.
But should England be more than just proud and disappointed?
Because if the objective is to win a trophy at all costs, it is clear that it is not working ”, he concludes.
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