Jim is such a wind up merchant!

The guy was 80 seconds away from being knocked out by Slovakia and was bailed out by a worldie. We are lucky to still be in the tournament never mind at a final.

As a German: Southgate reminds me a lot of Jogi Löw. Granted, Jogi is/was better than Southgate in my opinion. But he, too, had great players at his proposal. Germany won the World Cup 2014 in spite of Löw and not because of him. And if England wins on Sunday it will be the same with Southgate.

He's not wrong. Everyone has been dumping on Southgate for like 6 years about being reactive etc. Just because he finally listened and got sucess from it doesn't mean he got us here. It just means we were all right. With a more attacking minded coach we'd probably do much better. We've been incredibly fortunate with the draw in at least 3 of the 4 competitions he's been manager for.

Who gives Southgate a job after this? That's why Simon is right!

Southgate is not an actual football manager, he knows nothing about tactics and has no plan B, he's the luckiest person I have ever seen in charge of a football team and he would get sacked and be out of his depth if he was in charge of a league one club.

Simon Jordan talks so much sense: he can see through all the BS

Taking 450+ minutes to FINALLY see Kane isn't working and giving an in form Ollie Watkins a 15 minute run out is not an "inspired subsitution". The whole country could see it was needed and when Southgate finally relents the entire country is vindicated.

They are missing the word ‘bang’ in front of average. That’s the level of manager he is.

Simon talking complete FACTS. we're not morons for not choosing to be gaslit by the media and the deluded fanbase. England SHOULD be in this final... Rene worked alongside Sir Alex; challenge his thoughts on Safegate, I dare you

Simon spitting facts as usual

As England fans we can all enjoy getting carried away on a wave of emotion but anyone with a modicum of understanding when it comes to football tactics knows that these guys are bang on the money. Southgate is an average coach with a squad of very talented players at his disposal. Remember, but for a moment of brilliance from an individual player we'd have been out against Slovakia.

Simon is right.

Watkins & Palmer should start in the final.

Brian Clough was a great manager, he took a bunch of misfits to a league title and 2 champions league titles. Southgate has a huge array of talent at his disposal and has got them playing like a bunch of misfits 😮

Simon is right, now they face the ultimate test by playing the first world class top quality opposition they will face at this tournament and IF they beat Spain then all the doubters like myself will take it on the chin and give Southgate his flowers....even though he had an easy route to the final to do it.

Simon is *mostly* right! Southgate's a very *average* manager, his tactics are *not* why England got this far (they got this far *in spite* of his poor tactics), and the draw has indeed been very favorable. What he's wrong about is that (paraphrased) "these are the most favorable draws England's had" and (again, mostly paraphrased from a previous segment) "any previous England manager would have accomplished the same." That part's not true, because England *have* had *many* previous draws - in 1998, 2002, 2010, and 2016 to name *a few* - where (due to upsets elsewhere, which happen *often)* England *could* have had a favorable path to the semis or the final but *beat themselves* and lost to a *far less talented* team in the group and made their own path *infinitely* more difficult. Short version: if England don't beat themselves and lose to Romania in the group in 1998, their path to the semis would've been through first-timers Croatia and that godawful Bertie Vogts-lead Germany squad (that was *smashed* 3-0 by Croatia on the day England would have been playing them had they made it there). Instead, their path went through Argentina and the Netherlands (and they fell at that first hurdle). In 2002, England could've avoided Brazil until the semis and faced Senegal and Turkey in the Round of 16 and the quarters if they'd won against *either* Sweden or Nigeria (in a World Cup where they *defeated* Argentina in the group stage)! Instead they could only *draw* with both the group's less-individually-talented teams and were second to Sweden, making their path to the semis go through Denmark and Brazil instead. In 2010, if England beat either the US or Algeria (or even score just one more goal against Slovenia), they win their group and their path to the semis goes through Ghana and the Uruguay. Instead, they came in second *behind* the US, and their path to the semis went through *Germany* and *Argentina!* And in 2016, of course, England (despite defeating Wales) *drew* their other two group matches and finished second *behind* Wales! Wales went on to defeat Northern Ireland and an underperforming Marc Wilmots-lead Belgium squad to make the semis! England infamously lost to Iceland, but even had they survived that, their quarterfinal match would've been against hosts France (who smashed Iceland in that quarterfinal, scoring 5 goals, and went on to defeat defending World Champions Germany to make the final, then won the World Cup two years later)! You get the picture. In each of those tournaments, if a guy like Southgate (who's tactical plan is terrible and must be executed to near-perfection and make no self-sabotaging mistakes to work, but has actually *gotten* his team to execute his game plan and not sabotage itself carelessly, unlike previous tactical maestro managers who failed because of dumb decisions and players refusing to execute the manager's tactics for whatever reason - be it petty rivalries, or caring about individual stats more than team results, etc) was in charge, they'd likely have made *at least* the semis in *those* tournaments as well. Does that mean Southgate should stay? Not necessarily! If his changes are permanent, then it's time to bring in a tactical maestro to capitalize! And even if not, there *might* be smart tactical managers who *can* replicate/continue Southgate's behind-the-scenes cultural fixes. But yes, *that* all needs to be considered before making the decision on who should be the England manager after this tournament.

I agree with Simon. His players have saved SG. They've resorted to deploying their own tactics. Palmer and Watkins arranged beforehand between themselves what they would do if they got the chance to play. That's where the goal came from.

England has the best team we have had since 2002/2004. In 2002 we lost to Ronaldo/Rivaldo/Ronaldinos Brazil. 2004, we lost on Pens to Portugal. We could have easily won both of those matches. We have gone through thanks to a 95th-minute overhead kick. 90th min winners and penalty kicks. The differences are such tiny thin margins. It's too simple to say "Southgate the best" or "southgate is bad".

I doubt any club in the champions league this season would want southgate😂😂

Spain has the better team and the better coach. Spain had much harder opponents and dominated them. England had Mickey Mouse opponents and almost got eliminated by Slovakia

Renee spot on with his analysis, Southgate is an average manager getting constantly bailed out by moments of individual brilliance from the players, absolutely nothing to do with his tactics (or lack of)

I'm not going to knock Southgate for finally winning one of these 50-50 Knock-Out matches, but it was obvious Kane should have been taken off on the 60 minute mark. It's OK saying Southgate's subs are winning us matches but I reckon we would be winning these games far more comfortably if the changes were being made earlier.

Southgate is not Pep and he’s not Lampard either. Truth bombs

I’m sick of everyone praising Southgate. I said it from his first major tournament, Southgate out and this is why. In all of his 3 major tournaments, he’s had an easy route to the final. He failed in the World Cup against Croatia and he failed in his management of the game against Italy. Who goes 1-0 up that early against Italy and then sits back the whole game? Awful management. Now I’m this Euro’s he decides to bring 1 Left Back that is injured? Any Tom, Dick and Harry would have brought another Left Back. Then Southgate plays absolutely awful football against teams that play a low block and is lucky to get past Slovakia and Switzerland. Let’s not forget that England are the favorites to win this tournament coming into it, so it’s not like Southgate has a hard job to do with all that talent. Southgate is overrated because of thaw last string of England managers that were so poor. And now I’m supposed to praise Southgate for bringing on Ollie Watkins and taking off Kane? Something which I myself, my friend group, and half the nation were calling for him to do? He finally does what we’ve all been saying and we’re supposed to thank him? I don’t think so. Southgate does not have a clue. He has an amazing team and a lot of luck. Even if we win the Euros on Sunday, SOUTHGATE OUT!!!

I disagree with Simon . Southgate hasn't reached the level of Average yet. He's awful.

Gareth Southgate has never deserved any credit. Any other manager could have done what he has done, in fact, many other managers would have done better. Even though he has got to the final of this euros, he has consistently made errors, team selection has been consistently wrong, his inability to make decisive changes, he has relied purely on luck. He has done nothing at all for the England team, even a random fan would have achieved what he has managing England, no hate, just what I genuinely feel

He bangs on about having a day less than the Spanish, that's why you have a Squad! He keeps using the same 10 players every game, that's on him

In a world of clout chasing pundits, it’s refreshing to hear Simon Jordan talking sense

Simon is right. In a game we were looking great in the first half , Southgate chose to return to the 4231 formation that doesn't work in an attacking sense. 3 at the back and players play in their usual positions , had he changed Shaw for Trippier and kept the same formation it wouldn't have been a last minute win , we would have got 2 or 3. Southgate gets through by not wanting to lose , which is why we win so late on all the time. If he played the same way in a league format then his team will be a mid table team. We have shown in that first half, that if the players play in their proper positions in a comfortable formation. No one can explain why he changed that at half time , if only to react to the Dutch change , and that's not proactive , that's subservient. The draw we have had is easy for every team who is labeled as favourite. If he beats Spain then it will still be the only top nation he has beaten in competitive football. He is an average manager, with a nervous mindset that is so scared of being beaten. We would have won the last Euros with a proactive manager with good tactics. I won't care if we win on Sunday, but no praise will go to Southgate, this is all on the players. It's the players NOT Southgate that has got us here.

It doesn’t take a great manager to realise that Trippier and Kane are useless.

Couldn't agree more. Whatever happens on Sunday, if that is Gareth's last day as England manager, can you see any PL club, or even Championship club, offer him a job? No. Nobody wants that style of football for over 30 games a year.

Agree with Jordan. Bad selections and bad use of subs. Underserved penalty in Holland game. Games against average teams. Southgate picks Shaw who is not fit. Picks Kane who is not fit, tired and off form. Play Toney. Holland were not that good a team.

England are where they are in spite of Southgate, and he with his belief in making substitutions to bring the playmakers with energy and imagination on, only in the last ten minutes, has made the watch absolutely excruciating.

Gareth Southgate managing England in Euro 2024 is like taking part in a pool tournament where each opponent keeps potting the black ball early so you have an easy passge to the final!

Simon's right, Gareth is an average manager considering he's had the best draws and not only that, inherited a fantastic team that is expected to reach finals and yet managed to barely scrape past even the worst of teams and now all of a sudden people say he's a great manager?! LOL.

Simon is quite right. Average is correct. He is not a patch on Sir Alf Ramsey.

Jims got a Southgate duvet cover hasnt he, what a melt 🫠

He is right. We have stunk our way to the final playing bang average teams.

Absolutely bang average. How he can't take Kane off around half time or 60 mins in is absurd. We can't attack properly because Kane can't pull the defenders apart. We just end up against a wall of defenders. And that results in Foden and Bellingham largely getting no space and played out the game

England are very, very lucky to be the final. Spain will dispatch them, I believe. England lose, but football wins.

He is absolutely correct in his assessment. England have had very favourable draws in 3 competitions. If Southgate can engineer a victory over a top form side on Sunday, that will be the litmus test of whether he remains an average manager or not.

Is Lionel Scaloni a world class coach? Nobody had ever claimed he is

Southgate's luck with the draws since he's managed has been astonishing, people aren't stupid they can see we are winning because of the player talent. He deserves credit for getting the camp together which previous managers failed with but his decision making is terrible. He could probably manage a league 2 side, anyway he'll be remembered as the greatest of all time although he really won't deserve that. Good fixtures and players shining in moments has got him the record.

International competitions are not based on a league format. Southgate has gotten incredibly lucky with the draw at successive competitions by facing weaker opposition. The mark of a great manager is their record against stronger opposition, and Southgate's win record against "Top 6" teams is poor. England probably wouldn't be in the final if they faced the same opponents Spain did. That being said: “I'd rather have lucky generals than good ones" - Napoleon Bonaparte

Southgate has had some of the easiest runs ever & whenever he meets a team they are 50/50, he almost always loses

I agree with SImon. We have reached two European finals IN SPITE of Southgate's leadership. Maybe we would have won more games if he was more proactive and imaginative in his tactics and team selectionl. For example bringing Watkins on earlier.

Simon Jordan talks sense the presenter doesn’t seem to understand a logical argument he just reacts from an emotional place.

There is a difference between having good results and playing well. We have not played well. Thats on the manager. We have got good results. The manager gets some credit for thst, but the goals have been individual players doing well

We are in this position because we have the best squad in europe. Possibly even the world. Its not down to southgate. We have genuine quality that can win games even if we don't play well. And players like toney, Watkins, palmer and eze coming off the bench if we need them. Gareth couldn't do what he does with any other squad.

Southgate is the worst manager with the best team assembled and yet we have not been dominant in a single game playing the worst teams in the tournament, Its been boring watching them and as a fan, i have lost all faith of these so hyped up players

Us English fans are so fickle, last week he was a skinny Mike basset this week he’s don carlo’s prodegy!

People saying "brilliant subs" are out of their minds... Wow, he subbed one striker that's been pretty bad all tournament against another striker, wow... such a genius. And people have been screaming for Palmer to get more playing time all tournament, not exactly an "inspired sub."

Both The Netherlands & England Don't Really Deserve To Be In The Final However Someone Had To Win On That Side Of The Draw But Spain Will Win The Final Regardless They Have Been The Best Team In This Tournament & The Most Deserving, My Prediction: Spain 3 England 1

commenting after euro final, this analysis aged well

He’s bang average at best no matter whether he wins this or not. Milkiest fella I’ve ever seen. How he could inspire anyone is beyond me.

Gareth is a good manager but not a very good manager .......United dodged a bullet .

When Southgate actually bits a team that he shouldn't have beat then he can tell us we were all wrong

He's an above averaging man manager that's about it

Its difficult for Jim to understand, if Scotland get out of a group stage thier manager is a hero. It's all about levels.

The parallels can be made with Eric Ten Hag. Won an FA Cup. Saved his job. Does anyone want him as their manager?

Gareth’s celebration face is like a llama experiencing a breach birth . Why is he immediately trotting out the negative about Spain having one more day than us to prepare ..

Southgate is way below average. Out of his depth but blessed with a super talented squad , lucky last min goals and easy draws. One of the worst managers I've ever seen at this level!

We’ve scraped through by the skin of our teeth and Jim all of a sudden licking Southgate’s ars…..shoes

Southgate got it right last night I for one hope he gets it right on Sunday

We need Darren Farley speaking as Simon Jordan to Simon Jordan

Don't like Simon Jordan, but he's spot on here. Don't forget the friendlies, we couldn't win against below average teams because of the way Southgate sets the team out.

Jim White stirring the media shitpot. As usual.

expectation is about the tools that you have not what others did or did not. spain 2008-2010 expectations with best midfielders of all time were to win, spain at world cup 1998 had albert celades and ivan campo. they lost to nigeria and nigeria had the better squad. there was no outrage, just acceptance that spain wasnt good enough. before this generation england had welbeck, cleverley, young, and one time andros townsend was seen as new arjen robben 😂. remember cleverley as number 10? yeah ffs even frazier campbell got an england cap because there were nobody else. while other teams had world class players context

He has a point when it comes to the draws England get but sure you can only beat who is in front of you

Simon Jordan has his point 100% right! But unfortunately podcast host simply does not get it..or just plays as he not getting it) But Simon is 200% right. The point is that good or even great results are not the same as great games..And even England winning the EURO will not make Gareth Southgate a great manager (even though me having personal sympathetic to Southgate). He is great guy and very effective manager, result wise. But unfortunately to most of the fans the idea of results over the game itself is more common. As these people love to mention the same saying over and over again: "The game will be forgotten, and the results will be always remembered".. No it false! Maybe for sport analysts and statistics the saying holds 100% truth. But not for people l really loving the game, loving football and being passionate about it..For football lovers it might be completely opposite situation - the lost game might be remembered much longer than the won game. Because we love the game not for a result on the first place, but for the joy and emotional state instead!

Gareth Southgate is too much of a gentleman and not a twat. A nodding dog basically. If we beat Spain. That 11 will have to be special.

Jordan is right all past fails will be forgotten if he wins on Sunday; I think Southgate is an international manager not club.

Trouble is, whenever we do beat good teams in tournaments, it suddenly doesn't count because it's not the 'croatia of old', or 'germany of old' or 'holland of old'. I expect there'll be people saying the same about spain if we manage to beat them.

Simon and Rene are 100% right, we all know it, Jim knows it too, he's just playing wanker's advocate.

I agree, England have scrapped their way to the final and Spain have largely strolled against arguably better opposition. I hope on Sunday England step up to a higher level and Spain dip.

I agree with Jordan , South Gate is average for sure .. even if he wins on Sunday he needs to go

I completely agree with Simon. As an average former club owner and an averagely successful businessman, he knows how to assess an average manager.

He made 3 subs that i have been screaming at the TV for the last 5 matches for him to make

Southgate sounds more like a corporate puppet than a football manager,

If Jordan thinks Southgate is average I would love to hear how he would describe previous managers like Bobby Robson and Terry Venables who never even reached one final . He has an agenda against Southgate whatever he says.

Gareth is the Ringo Starr of football management.

Given an attacking team needs an attacking manager. Sadly Southgate can turn sugar into salt..

Unless we bring home the trophy Southgate wont have proven anything that we didn’t already know. Hes good at taking advantage of easy draws but still hasnt beaten anyone we shouldn’t have beaten so far.

A lot of people forget where England were when Southgate took over. Similar to Klopp he turned a sleeping giant into a dominant force again. If he wins on Sunday he becomes immortal

If he's an average manager then all other England managers have been poor. He's achieved more than any other manager ever

Simons right! Southgate should’ve ended it a long time ago & im not just talking about his managerial job

I think for the first time ever I agree with everything Simon has said here. I’d say Gareth is an average manager and mostly a lucky manager. An easy route to the final and a dodgy penalty to boot. If England win it it still doesn’t change that fact. It’d probably because of more luck. For example it appears the Spanish striker is injured INs freak accident. In other words, if England had been in the other group they’d have never made it out, with their performances. Spain have fun the gauntlet and deserve it. No way England would have beat the Germans and the French or even the Belgians.

Spain Must Save the World on Sunday! Otherwise this noise will continue for the next 50 Years

Southgate still never beaten a good team. Holland were terrible and missing some of their best players

Simon is absolutely spot on. The entire England squad should get Knighthoods for carrying Southgate for 8 years. A better manager would have done better than Southgate. Fact. A better manager would have picked better squad, used better tactics, made better substitutions and gotten better results and won the World Cup or the Euros by now. If England win on Sunday it will be despite of Gareth Southgate not because of him.

Southgate looks like a goat in that photo.

That's like saying pep is a average manager because he always has great players...

Give it a rest Jordan

The average man in the street could have got an England to this final with this draw/players he has/back room team.

The fact Southgate was even linked with the United job was an absolute outrage. The only jobs Southgate deserves at United are Punditry, Waste Recycling or Bus Driving because Southgate's still a Useless Scrub.

Jordan is just gutted England didn’t lose so he could gloat that he was right.

Why is everyone expecting England to beat a team thats better then them?

So we squeezed through a group where two of the teams are ranked 32nd and 57th in world rankings. We barely clung on against Denmark. We only got through 45th ranked Slovakia because of a worldie and we got past Switzerland on Penalties. We just managed to get past the Netherlands who aren't hitting the heights themselves. Yet we're to believe that even if we beat Spain, Southgate is a top class manager? No sorry, Simon is right that Southgate is average. I hope we beat Spain but even average managers can beat great teams sometimes.

Not one minute is fun watching England - it’s a horrid ride from start to end - Gareth deserves all the objective analysis until we watch England play some decent football and win, as opposed to scrape through - safegate is distinctly average