I do understand your post and I do broadly agree.

This isn't a counter to what you've stated, just my opinion on a few things:

1. This post may be best placed on 'Football Talk'. I wouldn't bet against the mods moving it at some point.

2. I think Southgate has done a very good job, or did do, for a period, I'll explain my stance:

- I think he came into the England set-up with a relaxed attitude which has helped the players. The shirt has certainly, to a degree, looked less burdensome the last few years.

- He has blooded a lot of new/younger players... a lot!

- Furthermore, he hasn't rigidly stuck to certain players who despite numerous failings still maintained their place in the squad, as other managers have done.

- He has a very approachable and non-prima donna quality to him, something the England managerial role has seriously lacked in the past few decades.

- He has implemented a style of play that seems far less rigid than certainly I had grown accustom to, although admittedly that did come roaring back against the Magyars.

However, he has been in the role a while... and:

- He still seems to be adopting the same approach, which was effective, exciting and refreshing at first however cannot continue otherwise you'll run out of player to introduce to the national set up and you'll never know your 'best team'. He had his minor revolution which was great but now 'fans' want results.

- We do have a lot of talented players eligible for England atm. The old argument and perspective that the players may be of a higher quality than the manager and therefore results are disappointing is certainly possible.

- Perhaps he is 'too nice'? Perhaps he is just yet another FA 'yes man'? Perhaps he is a 'one trick pony' and what he did was impressive however there's not much beyond that? Perhaps he does not command the respect of the players that may be necessary of a manager? Just my impression of course so could be totally wrong but I think there's substance to that notion.

I think Southgate did fantastically for a while however I think he has enough in the bank to warrant a least a notable and awful fall from grace before a 'sacking'. Playin Justin ahead of Mitchell may warrant that however. If he was sacked tomorrow (now today) perhaps we could bring in Ragnick on an interim basis and see how deep any rot runs for perspective?

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

I am not a fan of his style of play sometimes it is too over complicated (just cross the bloody ball) that said Southgate is our most successful manager since Alf.

Back to back semi final and final after the woeful Hodgson (sorry Roy I do like you).

His blooding of young players is to be encouraged, sure plenty may not step up but how else are you going to learn.

When I think of the many wasted years and multiple England managers who tried to make the Lampard / Gerrard partnership work when it was obvious to the rest of us it didn't.

After this world cup I think he can step aside knowing that he has built a good foundation for the next man.

One more point

What would you suggest as an alternative? Go back to playing meaningless friendlies like wot happened before?

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

I agree the friendlies were a waste of time. IMO the players should now be on a break and these games are nothing but money spinners for the powers that be.

Lacklustre performance from a team still on the beach in a meaningless compo created to make more money. Nearly as bad as friendlies.