They have a cracking national anthem too. Let's do this. We'll get to hear David Pleat trying to pronounce all those amazing Georgian names. Win-win.
Beat them on pens, but hard to see this team getting past Italy or Switzerland. Italy will dominate midfield and win 1-0
Hodgson isn't immune to criticism but the context of his tenure gives him a bit more of a defense than Southgate. He had literally weeks to prepare for Euro 2012, and a fiendishly hard group in WC 2014. The only obvious failure was Euro 2016, which rightly led to his departure. He oversaw an era of intense transition from the 'Golden Generation' as the likes of Ferdinand, Terry, Cole, Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney all declined and then retired during his tenure. Southgate by contrast has benefitted from some extremely fortunate draws (the current tournament being the latest example) and a settled squad fed by a constant supply of young talent.
We beat Italy in both games in qualifying! and its not a great Italian side, but it does depend on us actually turning up for a game which would be a first for this tournament.
Other than Southgate, there’s zero reason we shouldn’t be in the final in a few weeks. The draw has been incredibly favourable (again). Time for him to finally make good on the squad and luck he’s been given.
An England vs Georgia final is a possibility (although the latter will have some severe dragons to slay en route) .
Frankly he needs to fail with a favourable draw That's the only way that The FA might stop sitting on their hands and realise that for all their overhyping of 2018 that came down to to a clearly favourable draw, he remains the only England manager to lose three matches at a World Cup
And one of only 2 win 4 (all be it one was on penalties). I am no great Fan of Southgate but if asked to watch us in Russia, or in Brazil 2014 or South Africa in 2010 then I'll take Gareths side all day long, plus we suppled the core of the team too. I think Potter has already been tapped up to take over anyway so this will be his swansong.
Given it was a favourable draw, winning on penalties is about as impressive as needing a 90th minute goal to beat Tunisia 1-0
It was 2-1 and a wins a win, no worse than various other single goal wins over african opponents in various other world cups if we are being honest. And as for the penalties it remains our only penalty shoot out victory in the world cup.
I really don't mean this the wrong way but my impression is that you're more optimistic and forgiving when it comes to England and its team than when it comes to Spurs and our team. You seem to have more faith in Southgate than you do Ange. Apologies if I've overstepped or misunderstood, I'm just making an observation.
Just a reminder, you are talking to someone who watched Serbia vs Denmark the other night out of spite ...and still had running commentary for the England match, because football coverage in this country is a professional operation
