So Southgate's Perpetual Chokers do it again...
Yes - he has restored England's standing, in world soccer, from the mess he inheirited, but he will inevitably go down as the 'nearly manager' with the 'nearly team'. Too stuck in his ways, so he persisted with Kane even though it was obvious that he was off the pace (speculation, over here, as to whether he's just tired, or this is a sign that he is past his peak). The squad still has great promise, but it's clearly time for a fresh approach - it is thought unlikely that Southgate will choose to carry on, especially as this is the squad that are supposed to be developing into serious contenders in '26.
Gritting my teeth...the right team won. Spain have been the class act of the tournament, and the difference in quality, between the two sides, was painfully apparent. So the right result for the game, overall.
Disappointed for Canada - so close to coming third. Still a hugely creditable performance. Argentina's victory was expected - will it be Messi's swansong (he's starting to look past his sell-by date)? The scenes outside the ground are concerning, given that Hard Rock is a WC venue - we hope the organizers are learning from these 'dry-run' events.
