Southgate and Mancini set the example other countries should follow | Philipp Lahm


England and Italy managers have moulded a style and attitude that resonates with the players and their own public

As the 2024 European Championship will take place in Germany I am naturally interested in the appearance and impact of the home teams at the current tournament. It is important for the atmosphere and reach of a tournament that a home team plays with courage and spreads optimism. It is important that it has characters within the squad with whom fans can identify. That the players are aware that they are playing at home and that the crowd can feel it.

The public wants to see players take responsibility and see a team grow in the course of the tournament. If, in addition, they develop a style specific for that country, which frequently happens, the significance of home success at a European Championship or World Cup can be huge in football and social terms. Football already has examples of such added value: England in 1996, France in 1998 or Germany in 2006.

Related: Fans on buses and viral videos: would winning Euro 2020 change England?

Related: Italy into Euro 2020 final after Jorginho penalty settles shootout against Spain

Continue reading...