‘Too nice’: Frank Skinner on Gareth Southgate – and his ‘fiery’ successor

Comedian says former manager lacked ‘killer instinct’ but Thomas Tuchel could help England embrace a ‘braver’ style

England’s men’s football team “lacked a killer instinct” under Gareth Southgate, according to comedian Frank Skinner, who says Thomas Tuchel’s more abrasive style could help break the team’s 60-year trophy drought at major tournaments.

Skinner, who has co-written a new poem about football fandom and the home nations ahead of Euro 2028, told the Guardian that he believes England ultimately fell at the final hurdle under Southgate because he was too much of a “nice bloke”.