• England has never advanced past quarterfinals at World Cup outside Europe.
• Harry Kane missed a penalty that would have tied the score at 2-2.
• Southgate has been a ray of calm and optimism during these trying times. 

Since they have never advanced past the last eight outside of Europe, England keeps up the “tradition” of having another World Cup dream end at the quarterfinals.

Qatar 2022 will join Mexico 1986, Spain 1982 (which had a different competition format), Germany 2006, South Korea and Japan 2002, England’s seven previous quarterfinal exits (more than any other nation), Mexico 1970, and Chile 1962.

The fact that England’s elimination this year occurred in what was perhaps the best game of the tournament thus far makes it difficult for England supporters to accept. A battle between two elite teams, following a performance that most likely deserved better and after captain and striker Harry Kane blasted a penalty high into the night sky of the Al Bayt Stadium, which would have tied the score at 2-2.

Such an unexpected miss from a guy who had only 30 minutes earlier tied Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals scored while wearing the England jersey.

“I accept responsibility for that since I was the captain and the one who missed the penalty. I’ll have to put up with it and deal with it head-on “Kane’s comments following the game demonstrated why he is such a well-respected leader.

When questioned about his future after the game, Gareth Southgate, England’s other boss, was evasive.

“We’ve evaluated and thought about each tournament after it ended. We need some time to ensure that everyone chooses the appropriate course of action “When questioned about keeping his contract, which expires after the European Championships, he responded.

England have departed their Al-Wakra training base after defeat to France puts them out of the FIFA World Cup 🎥⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DYbDTuDbwZ

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) December 11, 2022

It’s understandable why Southgate might want to retire: six years in charge of England, in the spotlight, and the target of criticism when things go wrong is a long time. Although coaching England is a difficult job, Southgate has always conducted himself with respect and dignity. He and his team have, in fact, at times appeared to be a ray of calm and optimism during these trying times, displaying togetherness and making admirable social statements.

The coach should be commended for assembling such a talented bunch of young athletes and bringing them together to form a cohesive unit. For years to come, players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice should be a part of the England team, and Southgate’s calm hand at the helm should help them advance.

There is no reason to believe that the combination of youth and experience can’t get better. Other players like Kane, Luke Shaw, and John Stones will all be available for the following European Championships.

Usually, when England exits a major competition, the coach and the players are blamed. Most players here are aware of how well they performed. The only disappointment is that they had to play a team as strong as France so early in the competition; otherwise, they may have advanced all the way to the championship game and possibly won it.

Most people will anticipate Southgate staying for that reason alone.

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