28-06-2019, 22:44
If that's the case, then he's really got to choose his words more carefully, because it's not at all unreasonable to infer "the general public" from "people". I understand not wanting to name specific media outlets, but seriously, there are better ways of phrasing it.
Even then, while there's *some* truth to that premise, it doesn't tell the whole story. I don't recall Southgate's England being treated as anything but heroes after last year's World Cup exit, and I'm sure the Lionesses will be the same. When it comes to successful teams, the gutter press's build-em-up-and-knock-em-down attitude tends to be focused on individuals (like Raheem Sterling) than the team as a whole. Scummy, yes, but not the same kettle of fish.
England are being criticised for losing three group matches - two of them eminently avoidable - and putting themselves on the verge of elimination. We can argue about the degree of criticism warranted, but they don't deserve a pat on the head.
Even then, while there's *some* truth to that premise, it doesn't tell the whole story. I don't recall Southgate's England being treated as anything but heroes after last year's World Cup exit, and I'm sure the Lionesses will be the same. When it comes to successful teams, the gutter press's build-em-up-and-knock-em-down attitude tends to be focused on individuals (like Raheem Sterling) than the team as a whole. Scummy, yes, but not the same kettle of fish.
England are being criticised for losing three group matches - two of them eminently avoidable - and putting themselves on the verge of elimination. We can argue about the degree of criticism warranted, but they don't deserve a pat on the head.