As the recent major tournaments have drawn to a close, it is truly remarkable to observe that over the past four years, both the men’s and women’s England football teams have reached the finals. This accomplishment stands as testament to the remarkable vision that has revolutionised English football and produced world-class players and teams of which we can all be proud.
The architect behind this transformation is Howard Wilkinson, whose Charter for Quality introduced an ambitious plan for a National Football Centre, academies, mini soccer, and the raising of standards in children’s football. This framework laid the foundation for St George’s Park, a top-tier facility for all England men’s, women’s, and para squads, as well as a hub for FA Education to foster the essential coaches, managers, and sporting directors for the sport’s future.
The emergence of the Premier League as the wealthiest football league in the world has also played a vital role in establishing state-of-the-art boys’ academies with exceptional facilities and coaching staff. However, the greatest challenge for young English players remains securing significant game time to break into the first-team Premier League and Women’s Super League.
While the grassroots game has undergone significant transformation in recent years to be more accessible and inclusive, the advancement of youth football would not be possible without ongoing investment in new and improved facilities. The Football Foundation, alongside the National Lottery’s support for grassroots football, has been pivotal in this transformation.
Gareth Southgate has been a pivotal figure in the development of English football. His values-driven leadership has been instrumental in the transformation of the men’s team. His “Dear England” letter before the 2021 Euros was a remarkable piece of thought leadership that helped unite a nation and celebrate England’s glorious diversity.
As Gareth steps down, his successor will inherit the fruits of his labour, dedication, and vision for the English game, placing England in a strong position for the years to come.
In conclusion, the future of English football is bright, thanks to the transformative vision and leadership of individuals like Gareth Southgate. His legacy will continue to benefit English football, ensuring a strong position for the future.