Leicester City manager Steve Cooper recently praised the impact that England manager Gareth Southgate has had on transforming English football. Despite the heartbreak of England’s recent 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, Cooper believes that Southgate has played a crucial role in reshaping the national team.
Cooper, who previously guided the England Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017 with a 5-2 victory over Spain, has witnessed firsthand the positive changes that Southgate has brought to English football. This success followed the Under-20 World Cup victory in 2017, where Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal secured a 1-0 win over Venezuela in South Korea.
The development of English football over the years can be attributed to Southgate’s leadership and vision. Cooper emphasized that Southgate, along with Dan Ashworth, played a pivotal role in driving change within the Football Association. Together, they revamped the games program, training camps, and overall culture of the national team setup, ensuring alignment from the youth levels to the senior team.
Southgate’s influence extended beyond just the senior squad, as he also oversaw the junior national teams, including the Under-21s. By implementing a clear DNA and fostering a culture of pride and commitment to representing England, Southgate was able to create a seamless transition for players moving up the ranks.
Cooper highlighted the importance of staying ahead of the curve in football development, especially during Southgate’s tenure as Under-21s coach. The emphasis on player development and instilling a sense of passion for playing for England has been a key factor in the team’s success in recent years.
As Southgate continues to lead the senior team with a focus on unity, pride, and a strong team spirit, the foundation that was laid during his time with the junior national teams has proven to be instrumental in shaping the current success of English football on the international stage.