Southgate’s England reached a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final, giving his tenure a level of tournament consistency that earlier generations often failed to produce.
That record was still criticised because England did not win a major trophy. However, Carragher reportedly believes the criticism could soften over the next five to 10 years, particularly if England find the current tournament harder than expected.
The argument is familiar in international football: managers are often judged less harshly once the difficulty of replacing them becomes clear. England’s next era will be measured against Southgate’s ability to reach the latter stages, not simply against the absence of silverware.
England are expected to begin their campaign against Croatia, a fixture that should quickly test whether individual club form can translate to tournament football.
Carragher reportedly sees strong Premier League players in the squad but questions how many can be classed as top-level international performers. That distinction matters in knockout football, where opponents target weaknesses and decisive moments are often settled by players comfortable under extreme pressure.
A difficult opening could intensify the debate around England’s squad balance, tactical identity and leadership. A positive start, by contrast, would give the new campaign immediate momentum.
Carragher’s own tournament memories from 2006 and 2010 are reportedly mixed, shaped by England’s results and the intense media environment.
His preferred World Cup moment came from outside England: Argentina’s 2022 triumph, when Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy. The final against France, which ended 3-3 before penalties, is widely regarded as one of the competition’s defining matches.
England’s opening game against Croatia will now provide the first evidence of whether Carragher’s caution is justified. The result may also begin shaping how Southgate’s legacy is understood.