Amidst criticism, Gareth Southgate continues to lead the English national team, which has reached the semifinals for the fourth time in its Euro history. The last two of these runs have been under the guidance of Southgate, a coach frequently questioned, who also took England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. Now, having reached 100 matches as head coach, he seeks more success in Germany 2024, with England just one step away from the final.

In the 15 previous editions of the Euros, with England participating in nine, they have reached the penultimate round twice: once in 1996 with Terry Venables as manager, Alan Shearer as top scorer, and Southgate himself as a player, when Germany defeated them in a penalty shootout; and once in 1968 with stars like Gordon Banks, Bobby Moore, and Bobby Charlton, when Yugoslavia triumphed 1-0 in the semifinals.

Southgate has orchestrated the last two semifinal appearances. In the multinational Euro 2021, held partially in England, the team reached the final at Wembley, only to lose in a penalty shootout to Italy, thanks to Gianluigi Donnarumma's heroics. Now, despite growing doubts and increasing criticism, particularly after a near-collapse against Slovakia in the Round of 16, Southgate has led England to within two steps of their first European title.

Adding the World Cup semifinals to England's history, which includes three appearances, the tally reaches seven semifinal appearances overall—three of them under Southgate. He achieved this feat in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where England was defeated 2-1 by Croatia with goals from Ivan Perisic in the 68th minute and Mario Mandzukic in extra time, after Kieran Trippier's early goal. Trippier, still a key player in Germany 2024, continues to be part of this historic journey.