The Renaissance of English Football: How the England Men’s Team Became Competitive Again

June 14th marks the beginning of another compelling tournament in international football: Euro 2024. In recent years, the England mens  team has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with the Opta Supercomputer naming England as the favourites to win Euro 2024, giving them a 19.9% chance to bring it home! However, since the turn of the century, the men’s team have endured much heartbreak and has fallen short of expectations on a number of occasions. Boasting a golden generation of the world’s best players, such as Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Steven Gerrard, among others, the best they managed in the Euros before 2021 were quarter-final exits. Nevertheless, the renaissance has been marked by strategic changes, a new generation of talent and a fresh approach to the beautiful game. Let’s delve into how The Three Lions have managed to completely change their fortunes to become tournament favourites.

A Vision for the Future: Strategic Overhaul

The journey to revitalisation began with a comprehensive strategic overhaul. The Football Association (FA) recognised the need for a long-term vision and implemented the “England DNA” programme in 2014. Along with Dan Ashworth, then Director of Elite Development, and Gareth Southgate, who was the under-21s coach at the time, they presented their plans for the future of English football. The essence of the programme was “a new approach to coaching youngsters called into international squads from under-15 level, until, hopefully, the senior XI.” The plan ensured cohesion amongst coaches, training sessions and style of play across all age groups. There was an emphasis on players having technical skills, tactical intelligence and mental resilience, which were all underpinned by the principles of the programme. The shift in philosophy laid the foundation for future success of the national team, as The Three Lions finished 4th in the 2018 World Cup. This marked the country’s best result in a World Cup since 1990 and a massive achievement for Gareth Southgate, who took the reigns as manager of the men's team in 2016.

Nurturing Young Talent: The Golden Generation

One of the cornerstones of England's resurgence has been the emergence of another golden generation of young players. In the past 10 years, the youth teams have won 4 European and world titles. This monumental success is first hand evidence of “The England DNA” programme beginning to bear fruit. Another part of this plan was to give the youth players the experience of playing different opposition in different locations to help prepare them for senior football. Increased investment at grassroots level further helped to develop players at a young age. A commitment to small-sided games helped to elevate the technical level of players, as opposed to the previous method of 11 year olds playing full-size pitches with full-size goals. The FA’s plan also coincided with the Premier League’s introduction of its Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), which was designed to modernise youth development, demanding greater investment in facilities and coach education as well as emphasising technical development. With an investment of £1.94 billion of investment into youth development since 2012-13 season, English under-21 players featured for twice as many minutes in the Premier League  in the 2021-22 season than in the first year of the EPPP’s existence. Players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka became the fruits of these changes, as they have developed to be amongst the best players in the world as well as revitalising the squad to make England contenders once again.

Learning from Setbacks and Looking Ahead

England’s path to glory has not been without setbacks. Excruciating exits in the 2018 World Cup semi finals and the 2020 Euros Finals tested the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back. However, these experiences were invaluable learning opportunities. Each defeat served as a catalyst for growth, driving the players to hone their skills and strengthen their resolve. The team's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have fostered a unity and camaraderie that is palpable on and off the pitch. As England prepares for they Euros, the lessons learnt from these setbacks will undoubtedly fuel their quest for glory.

With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars, the 3 Lions are well-positioned to challenge for major honours in the coming years. The lessons learnt, the talent developed, and the unwavering support of the fans create a promising outlook for the future. England’s resurgence is a testament to strategic foresight, talent development, strong leadership, and a resilient mindset. By embracing change and fostering a culture of excellence, England has re-established itself as a competitive force in international football. However, the journey is ongoing as the wait for a major honour continues, but the foundations laid promise a bright future for English football. And with the Lionesses’ being crowned champions in Euro 2022, all eyes are now on The Three Lions; will they be able to replicate the success of the women’s team?