England lost to a tough Croatian team in the semifinals on Wednesday, dashing hopes of the country's first World Cup finals since 1966. But Brits have found solace and pride in Gareth Southgate. Even in defeat, the country is swooning for the English manager. It's got an over-the-top crush. The 47-year-old in the natty waistcoat is the prodigal son, the underestimated man, whose story of redemption has inspired a nation. The Telelgraph newspaper on Wednesday compared Southgate to Winston Churchill. Seriously.
Before the tournament began, few thought England would play this well. And most fans believe the improbable rise never would have happened without Southgate. He took young players to the brink of greatness. The coach said, "They're nowhere near what they are capable of."
Southgate is soccer. But he is bigger than soccer here.
Britain has been going through a rough patch. The country has been tying itself in knots over its decision to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet is in revolt. Add to that attacks with Soviet-era nerve agents out in the countryside and huge demonstrations planned to greet President Donald Trump on Friday.
As the fans went bonkers with the win, Southgate sought out the Colombian player whose miss had given England its victory. As Mateus Uribe covered his face in shame and disappointment, and wept, Southgate put his arms round him in consolation.
The gesture was not lost on fans with long memories. For famously, in the 1996 European Championship played in Wembley Stadium in London, it was Southgate who missed the crunch-time penalty kick that gave Germany the semifinal match, and later the title.