Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has made a bold declaration about England’s chances at the upcoming European Championships, praising the current squad and manager Gareth Southgate.
Bamford, who has one England cap to his name, has expressed his admiration for Southgate’s ability to create a positive team atmosphere and his skill in man-management.
Speaking on the My Mate’s A Footballer podcast, Bamford hailed Southgate as an “unbelievable man” who “just gets it” when it comes to international management.
He praised Southgate’s ability to create a happy camp, where players love to be, and how this translates to success on the pitch. Bamford noted that this cohesion was perhaps missing from the “golden generation” of English players in the 2000s, which included stars like Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.
However, Bamford believes that the current generation of English players, aged between 20 and 26, is “a joke” – in a good way – and boasts an impressive level of talent.
He expressed his confidence in Southgate’s ability to lead the team to international glory this summer, citing the manager’s experience as a player and under-21 coach as key factors in his success.
Bamford’s praise for Southgate and the current squad is a testament to the positive atmosphere and team spirit that has been built ahead of the European Championships. With a strong squad and a manager who “just gets it”, England fans can be optimistic about their team’s chances this summer.