Insight
Don’t panic
Harry Kane’s late, late winner against Tunisia showed us not to panic and to have faith in Gareth Southgate’s team.
In fairness, England deserved the win, having the lion’s share of possession and most shots at goal.
While a draw wouldn’t have been disastrous, the win definitely helps take the pressure off going in to the last group stage match game against a very strong Belgium team bristling with talent.
The even better news is that both teams going through from England’s Group G will then need to play either of the top two teams from Group H, which contains Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan, depending on where they all finish.
While we shouldn’t get overly optimistic, England is capable of beating any of these teams and then it’s through to the quarter-finals and anything can happen.
Moving away from football and England’s persistence can teach us all something. While natural talent is very important, so is meticulous planning and preparation.
Nothing should be left to chance, just as in public relations.
For England, their ultimate goal is very simple and that is to win the World Cup.
In public relations you should also have the same clarity as to what you are trying to achieve in order to keep a consistent message and to avoid mixed messages.
Red Marlin has been helping its clients do this for many years and should England (although unlikely) get knocked out in the group stage like the last World Cup, then we’d be happy to help Gareth face the UK press!