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England has lost another close encounter at the World Cup, four years after finishing fourth, the English lost a round earlier this time around. France was the winner 2-1 after a hard-fought battle between two talented sides. It was a game where England dominated some of the possession, and they feel like the game somehow escaped out of their hands.
England missed their chance after having Harry Kane launch the crucial penalty kick above the goalpost, and into the stands. Earlier in the game, Kane converted a penalty to draw England level after the first time France took the lead.
After last year’s heartbreak in the final of the European Championships, England once again failed to win a major tournament, especially as many were predicting that this young squad is good enough to bring the World Cup trophy back home for the first time in 56 years. It won’t happen.
However, Gary Lineker isn’t disappointed with the young England squad.
“Despite the heartbreak, we should be immensely proud of this young England side. They have talent, they gave everything, and they have values. They are a credit to their sport and our country. And in these times of division and discord, they’re an example to all, and they will win,” Lineker tweeted soon after England lost to France.
What does the future hold for England?
Lineker isn’t wrong. England truly has a bright future. Jude Bellingham has quickly become a leader of this team, and he is only 19 years old. Players like Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Mason Mount, and Bukayo Saka are all barely over 20 years of age, and they are already some of the best players in the world.
Of course, for the next World Cup cycle, there will be changes. Harry Kane is 29 years old, and obviously, it is a matter of perspective and forms whether he will be good enough in four years to give another go as England’s top striker.
England has a great foundation, especially considering that many other big nations will have a whole different look when the next World Cup arrives. Teams like Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, and other big nations will be looking a lot different when the WC hits the North American continent in 2026. England already has the upper hand, and with the continued presence of all these young players, with the experience, they will accumulate in the years to come, England could very well be the biggest favorite to win the tournament shortly.
The big question right now is whether Gareth Southgate will remain the manager. Players love working with him, but there are many critics out there who think he should have won at least one big tournament in the past four years even though, under his guidance England has produced better results than in past decades.
Southgate will have a lot of support to remain, but it will also depend if he wants to continue. He is still adamant that it is too soon to make that kind of decision with the World Cup just ending for his team.
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