England just can’t win the World Cup big ones – but why? And should Gareth Southgate stay or go?

Saturday night’s quarter-final against the French had everything, bar a streaker.

End to end action, questionable refereeing decisions, missed penalties and debatable substitutions.

So… Senegal, Wales, Iran, Tunisia, Panama, Colombia (on pens), Sweden, Slovenia, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago and Ecuador. What’s the connection?

These are the teams England have beaten in World Cup group and knockout matches since 2006. They’re all of a certain standard, but there’s not a Brazil in there, nor an Argentina, France or Germany - and is that possibly the crux of the debate?

When it comes to the established footballing nations, we always fall short.

Obviously that argument is partly tempered by England’s journey to the final of Euro 2021, via a win over Germany, but what happened against Italy?

It’s easy to start Southgate-bashing at this point, but it’s now three tournaments, and three major games - a WC semi with Croatia, Euro final against Italy and the France match – where despite being in an apparent strong position the Three Lions have come up short.

Is it all down to Southgate and his management style? Possibly in the first two games, yes, but Saturday was down to the Footballing Gods.

You’ve got arguably one of the best strikers in the world taking a penalty, and if it goes in for 2-2, you get Jack Grealish on and England are on the way. But it didn’t, and in the modern world Harry Kane will now have to endure a degree of ridicule via social media.

That will pass, and soon the England players can hit the ground running with the return of the EPL at Christmas.

As for Southgate, should he stay or should he go? A Sky Sports News poll on Monday had a 53%-47% spilt in favour of him staying. It’s not exactly a big vote of confidence.

I would imagine he’s financially secure, so does he really need the sustained criticism? Time will tell… and then, will his potential successor fare any better?