El Gato
Villarato!
The feeling around the team here in England is very humble and realistic, this time. Southgate is very popular, people are mostly happy with the team, and no one is expecting miracles - everyone I've spoken to would be happy with getting out of the group. Usually everyone demands at least a semi-final (which is unreasonable), but something seems to have changed this time.
I personally think we need to get out of the group. After that, we might be able to surprise a few people if we get some luck and things go right, but all I ask is to get out of this group, which we really should be doing.
Yeah, same here with English supporters in Scotland. The one thing I think would really let the team down is if somehow you didn't win either Tunisia or Panama game.. THAT would be the test for Southgate, because doubts and media would get all over these sorts of results. I believe even if you do have a shitty result or unconvincing wins in the group stages, you shouldn't be harsh on your players.
The key with this generation is to make them believe they can pick themselves up and persevere. Many Spurs players were gutted about the Juve result, understandably so. The talk is generally that they need a winner from the outside to help them get over the hurdle. Can't get that in the national team so this belief has to come from either the manager with the right guidance through media shitstorm in case you do disappoint, or from the supporters. The fans absolutely CANNOT boo this team off the pitches, even if they have another Iceland happen to them.
Oddly enough I find myself sympathising with the English quite a bit this time, but it'll probably be the doom of me if you are successful. I hate the way Liverpool fans behave whenever they get anywhere near success and it'd be the same exact type of bragging and douchebaggery if you overperform.
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