If Greg Dyke’s infamous countdown clock was still on the walls at St George’s Park this morning it would show that there are 501 days remaining until the World Cup in Qatar, where England should arrive even better equipped to lift the trophy than they have been in this thrilling tournament.
Sunday’s final against Italy will not be the end of the road for this rapidly developing side, who will be strengthened by the continued development of stellar talents such as Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and even Phil Foden, who have had to be content with important if bit-part roles during this potentially glorious summer.
The conditions will be alien in Qatar and there will be no repeat of the incredible, raucous scenes that followed Wednesday night’s final whistle, but the quality and depth of players at Gareth Southgate’s disposal should be even greater than this impressive group.
England are into the final of Euro 2020 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Denmark at Wembley
Gareth Southgate put his faith in youth after taking over and it paid on Wednesday night again
The England manager has revolutionised the players’ attitude and accomplishments with the national team, as epitomised by the extraordinary three-minute period of controlled possession with which they played out at the second-period of extra-time.
In their final game of the previous European Championship five years ago England could barely string a single pass together.
The so-called easy run to the World Cup semi-finals three years ago was supposed to be the once-in-a-lifetime chance for England to finally end the years of hurt, but over the past month Southgate and his players have made a mockery of such fatalism, and with an even younger group that first enchanted the nation in Russia.
When Sam Allardyce was appointed following defeat to Iceland he was so unimpressed with England’s playing stock that he inquired about the eligibility of former France under 21 international Steven Nzonzi, a far cry from the faith Southgate has shown in youth.
Mason Mount has made a rapid rise in the last two years, and Southgate quickly involved him
Bukayo Saka setup England’s first and is a Three Lions star who barely snuck into the squad
Southgate has also had to contend with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the postponement of last year’s tournament and not seeing his players for six months, which makes an already historic achievement all the more impressive,
For all his belief in long-term planning in many respects England’s tournament team was thrown together at the last minute.
Two years ago Mason Mount ended the season playing at Wembley in a Derby team beaten in the Championship play-off final; less than 12 months ago Kalvin Phillips was still playing in the Championship for Leeds, while Bukayo Saka was regarded as a fringe candidate to make England’s 26-man squad as recently as two months ago; yet all three have emerged as key figures during this campaign.
The trio have all taken their opportunities to vindicate the abiding principle of Southgate’s management; the 50-year-old trusts in youth and picks players on form.
As a result England began the biggest game this country has seen for 25 years with a starting line-up whose average age was just 25, three years ago than their predecessors a quarter of a century ago, and a year ago than the World Cup semi-finalists.
Mount was the most impressive of the young guns last night, further justifying Southgate’s decision to build England’s attack around his passing skills, even after the interruption caused by 10 days in isolation.
Being in confinement has proved little handicap and he linked well with the front three and full-backs from the outset, executing a breath-taking turn on the edge of Denmark’s penalty area in the third minute before seeing his cross blocked shortly afterwards.
The Three Lions will be an ever bigger force come the World Cup, as they gain experience
Declan Rice wasn’t able to stop Denmark’s attacks all night, but he’s been a titan this summer
Mount was particularly drawn to the space on the right created by the pace of Saka, who was just as busy as on his first appearance of the tournament against the Czech Republic a fortnight ago, but less controlled.
Whether due to an uncharacteristic show of nerves or simply poor execution the 19-year-old gave the ball away numerous times in the opening exchanges, contributing to the feeling of an erratic England performance, certainly compared to the composed manner with which they disposed of Ukraine last weekend.
Saka’s pace and direct running style means he will also threaten intermittently even when not at his best however, and he improved dramatically as the game wore on.
Two surges down the right culminated in passes to Mount and Sterling, who both saw their shots blocked, while he also won a free-kick on the edge of the area which was wasted.
Through sheer perseverance Saka finally made a telling mark six minutes before half-time, with his cross diverted into his own net by Simon Kjaer for England’s equaliser.
Gareth Southgate’s young Lions are giving the whole nation a team to get behind once again
After a quiet period Mount finished the 90 minutes as if determined to win the game on his own, harrying into tackles, recycling possession and gaining territory whenever he won the ball.
Foden also made a positive contribution after being introduced during extra-time as England slowed the game down, oozing class in possession, and could have a crucial role to play in what promises to be a tactical contest against Italy.
As a former head of elite development at the FA and England under 21 manager Southgate’s inclination always told him to trust in youth, but it is one thing having principles, and another putting them into practice when your head is on the block.
Having given debuts to 46 new players in 59 games in charge Southgate is reaping the benefits, and should continue to do so.