Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Gareth Southgate’s ability to engender a strong team spirit while still showing his “nasty” side has been key to their success.
Both elements were on display in the 2-1 extra time Euro 2020 victory over Denmark which secured a first major final in 55 years.
The side came from behind having conceded their first goal of the tournament and, having got in front, Southgate then made a tactical change and took off crowd favourite Jack Grealish just 36 minutes after he had come on as a second-half substitute.
“You have to given the manager credit, he’s the one that creates the team spirit,” Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The manager has been absolutely outstanding. He’s had pressure on him, stuck to his guns,” he told Good Morning Britain.
“What he’s done is made our national team into like a club side in spirit and nothing gets to him. There’s pressure on them, being at home, massive pressure, and they’ve handled it.”
Reid’s former team-mate Peter Shilton was sceptical about Southgate’s appointment back in 2016 but is happy to admit the former Middlesbrough boss has proved him wrong.
“When he took over I said I wasn’t sure his credentials matched the job but he’s proven me and a lot of people wrong. He’s grown into the job, set out principles,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Former England winger Chris Waddle said for all the celebrations last night the focus quickly had to turn to Sunday’s final opponents Italy.
“No-one wins a tournament with brilliant performances and no luck,” he told Radio 5 Live.
“We have to win it now, it’s feet back on the ground this morning. Everyone enjoyed it last night but now we have to come up against one of the most experienced teams in world football in Italy.”
