Gareth Southgate, the England manager, downplayed the significance of reaching 100 games in charge before the quarter-final match against Switzerland. He emphasized that the focus should be on the team rather than himself. Despite his humble attitude towards the milestone, Southgate has found a creative way to communicate a powerful message.
During a recent pitch inspection before the semi-final game against the Netherlands, Southgate sported a pair of Nike trainers with “100” embroidered on the back and the phrase “anything is possible” written around the heel. This unconventional choice of footwear reflects a trend in football where players use their gear to convey personal messages or pay tribute to significant milestones.
The practice of customizing boots with unique designs has become increasingly popular among top players, with names like Ryan Park and Jordan Dawson creating bespoke footwear for stars like Jack Grealish and Antonio Rüdiger. Southgate’s decision to showcase his message on his trainers is not only a nod to his coaching legacy but also a clever way to promote his book titled “Anything is Possible,” which was released in 2022.
As England fans eagerly anticipate the Euro 2024 final against Spain, they will be looking to Southgate to lead the team to victory in his 102nd game as manager. The message on his trainers serves as a reminder that with determination and belief, anything can indeed be possible. Southgate’s choice to let his feet do the talking demonstrates his innovative approach to leadership and his ability to inspire both his players and supporters alike.