I think Gareth leaving was always a high probability. The FA were wanting one more world cup but I think the media and fan reaction nudged him toward going. Right decision for him, less so for the country I think, but there you go.
He is an Englishman, but an Englishman who chose to play 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland. Would you be happy with him then playing for England? I wouldn't, and feel the same should apply to management after your playing career.
International football is complicated, you can be eligible for two (or more) and have affinity to both but get cap tied like in Carsley's situation.
I could play for England (second generation), Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland through grandparents... whoever I chose to play for would be where my allegiance lie, and nothing something I would look at at changing in the future as opportunities arise
It's traditional to treat the England manager appallingly. It's part of the national fabric, like chicken tikka massala, cricket, fish and chips, and talking about the weather.
Many of the English lads who choose Ireland do it because it's their best route to international caps, a few end up being good enough to play for England but you can't switch back so they make the best of it. I don't think winning caps elsewhere, like in this example, should inhibit Carsley from managing England. We disagree, and that's okay.
And the press, don't forget the press... love to build someone up, then tear them to pieces... all for the likes
I feel like it's the right time, he has had a very good record of getting us far in tournaments, in time people will look more fondly on what he did, but it feels like the right time to me, it's better to walk away a tad early than being asked to leave because you stayed too long.
Someone even mentioned a knighthood, time will tell. If we do kick on, he'll be held in high esteem.. as the one who layed the foundations
I agree mate. Right time for him definitely. 8 years in that job must take some sort of toll. He has had a good ride generally because he took what was an embarassment of a national side when he stepped in, unexpectedly thanks to Allardyces behaviour, to one of the elite national sides in world football. Semi finals have become the minimum under him, before that quarter finals were cause for street parties. Maybe familiarity has bred contempt, or it is a case of too much of a good thing, but I am pleased he has gone before the knives really do come out. He doesnt deserve that after undoubtedly making England as serious an international side as they have been in the last 50 years.
I have to say I don't really have a problem with the fans and media criticising the team and manager. They were backed to the hilt by everyone despite the worries about the style of play, Kane being a square peg in a round hole and the concerns about the set up with Trippier, Foden, Bellingham, etc. Once all those things actually came to pass it was no surprise when people thought it had all been another chance thrown away. Going down 4-3, after giving in a real go, wouldn't have seen the same reaction imo.
He has always been an overachiever Gareth, if you look at his career, he was a decent but nowhere near England calibre Palace midfielder, ends up at Villa playing out of position at centre back, finishes up at Boro and somehow with 50 England caps. Relegated with Boro as manager, goes the long route with the u21s but his best work was with the national team, a role he probably shouldn't have been given. He wasn't the fastest or the strongest defender either , but had a decent head on his shoulders and it took him very, very far.
8 years hasn't taken a toll on his bank account mind.Seriously though, it's a poisoned chalice.It's my opinion that it's very,very difficult to take players who are used to a daily club environment and try to mix them into a cohesive unit with other players they are not used to. Add to that the media attention,and it's a mix which is probably not going to work,particularly after the players have had a full season with their clubs,and are ready for a break. International football is not the pinnacle it's cracked up to be.The expectation is always high.....but,it almost always relies on individual strands of brilliance to win it. The number of international sides who've achieved Euro or World success by playing as a cohesive team unit are very few and far between in my view.
please log in to view this image Not sure we'll see anything like this anytime soon. Maybe after the paradigm shift of 2070.
