With the Euro finals approaching, England national team boss Gareth
Southgate
The 53-year-old tactician has not only led the Three Lions to greatness as a manager, but also as a player. The 53-year-old tactician not only led the Three Lions to greatness as a coach, but his playing career was also legendary. talkSPORT takes a look at the final chapter of Southgate's playing days - 2006.
League Cup Final
On that fateful night, May 10, 2006, Southgate, as captain of Middlesbrough, stood in the final of the European Union Cup against what would become a perennial favorite, Sevilla. Despite leading the team as a leader, Middlesbrough eventually lost 0-4 and were unable to lift the coveted trophy.
The game was not only the curtain raiser for Southgate's playing career, but it also saw the rise of some of the later stars of football. Spanish international Jesús Navas made his debut for Sevilla in that game, showing the talent he had in his early years. Another Sevilla player, Thomas Tuchel, who is now Chelsea's manager, scored twice and was instrumental in the victory.
Time has passed and Southgate's role has changed from commander on the pitch to strategist on the sidelines. He will once again face the challenge from Spain in his capacity as manager of the England national team. This time, he is leading a young and energetic England team, who have shown great competitiveness all the way through their Euro journey.
Southgate's soccer career is an epic that spans time and space. From the loss of the League Cup final to the upcoming Europa League final, he has always maintained his love for soccer and his desire to win. England fans are looking forward to Southgate can lead the team to make a breakthrough in the final, for the country to bring the long-lost glory. For Southgate himself, this duel is not only a battle of tactics and wisdom, but also a profound dialog with his past.
