After almost a quarter-century of living in England, and covering the national team for most of it, this semifinal feels different. (In a positive way, I have to add. However, that doesn't mean they will win Euro 2020. History has shown them not winning a trophy.It is not a secret that some things are the exact same. A few countries, at most among the larger ones, are able to go from bliss to despair based on one result.You will hear pundits, fans, and even those making the most noise, talk about how England can defeat anyone and how everyone wearing Three Lions gear is "world-class" or "thereabouts." Lose and they will be inept no-hopers at the best, disinterested, ungrateful stains on the national character at its worst.Media and supporters from other countries don't get too excited when they do well, and can become angry villager with pitchforks when they fail. They do, but it's not the usual 180-degree turnaround between games.While England's part of the game has not changed, it has had a lot to do both with Gareth Southgate (the man who leads the team) and the players who make up his squad. These are five examples of how this side is different.- Euro 2020 on ESPN - Stream LIVE games, replays and more (U.S.- European Soccer Pick'Em: Enter to Win $10,000Euro 2020 bracket and fixture calendar1. Southgate is likable, humble, and normalEngland's manager is likely more relatable than any of the seven permanent predecessors. We should also recall that this list includes a man who claimed he believes in reincarnation, and that people with disabilities are being punished for their sins in the past (Glenn Hoddle), and a man who quit his job because he was forced to remove his captain's armband by the FA (Fabio Capello), and a man who had to quit after one game due to an undercover sting in which he talked about "bypassing rules" in order to register players (Sam Allardyce).There is context to everything. None of this means that the aforementioned managers were worse than Southgate. In fact, all of them were better from a footballing perspective. It does not mean that Southgate has been able to avoid drama and controversy to an extent that other managers have. He has also done it while remaining humble and earnest, qualities that people find attractive.2. Southgate is not unduly affected by the mediaSouthgate made many decisions that are outside of popular wisdom, whether it was playing Kieran Trippier as left-back (and not Ben Chilwell), keeping Kalvin Phillips at midfield, making Raheem sterling a fixture, or starting Bukayo Saka in the match against Germany. This popular wisdom is what compelled Southgate's predecessor managers to insert Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and occasionally Paul Scholes into the same team's midfield.Southgate doesn't panic when Southgate's performances are not well received, such as the 0-0 draw with Scotland or the second-half against Czech Republic in group stage. The latter saw England register 0.0 Expected goals (which is quite difficult).He has a plan and sticks to it. While he may be judged on how his teams play (and thus risk media battering), he will be judged long-term by how far they progress in tournaments (so good, so far).Southgate understands a fundamental concept that many others have forgotten: Club football, with its 38-game season, rewards teams who attack and play well, creating more than what they concede. Tournament football is an entirely different game, and risk-taking is discouraged.France won the last World Cup by sitting deep, not conceding, and waiting for the superstars at the other side to do something extraordinary. England may not have gone as far as England, but it is possible. Philips is not Paul Pogba; Declan Rice and Sterling are not N'Golo Kante. Sterling is not Antoine Griezmann.Gareth Southgate has created a team that is comfortable in tournament situations. Getty Images3. England's football players seem to want to be thereThe English media would conduct an investigation into the failures of past tournaments. It would be a routine process. This would be a familiar process.Another sub-theme was whether the players wanted to wear the Three Lions or if there were internal rivalries that tore the group apart. Eriksson made a famous observation about players hanging out with club teammates. Other managers also mentioned how players felt less protected with England than they felt at club level. Others still pointed out how players felt the national team was a "chore" given the environment.When things went wrong, there was a story that made its way into national media. Perhaps England will be beaten by Denmark at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The cycle will continue at the same time ET, LIVE on ESPNHowever, I doubt it, as there was none following the World Cup semifinal loss to Croatia 2018. It is clear that there is no poison in this England camp, unlike previous expeditions. Southgate deserves credit, as does this group of players.4. This group is a mix of foot soldiers and leaders.It is clear that England is the strongest non-French speaking European team in terms of strength and depth, especially in attacking positions. There is humility in the selections Southgate has made over the last few weeks. There are fewer superstars than there were in the past, and they tend to be alpha male, with eyes on me.Jordan Pickford, Jordan Phillips and Rice watch the Champions League live on TV. They are not indispensable to the club but they are vital. This is partly due to Pep Guardiola’s strong collective ethos and partly because of their talent. Mason Mount isn't yet an A-lister. Luke Shaw is a Man United player, but has also had his fair share of setbacks. Harry Maguire is a natural leader and was at Hull City up to the age of 24.Harry Kane is the exception. He has carried Tottenham on his back for many decades, but in terms ego and personality he will not soon be mistaken for Zlatan Ibramovovic. It's a blue collar team that plays blue-collar football. There are plenty of talented players and game-changers on the bench, such as Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Saka, and Jack Grealish. This isn't a team built around just one or two individuals, although Kane was a notable exception. However, you can see him for long periods of time with no service and he didn't complain.5. Success breeds confidence and successIt feels different because many of these players are familiar with what success in national teams looks like. England has reached the semifinals in major tournaments six times. Southgate and most of this squad have done it twice before, just like Sir Alf Ramsey and Co. back in 1966 and 1968.England hadn't reached the final four of any competition for more than twenty years before Southgate brought them to Russia. This does not mean that the pressure is gone, but it does not make it less important. Once a cycle has begun, it can be difficult to stop.It is easier to achieve something meaningful once you have done it. Although England's team doesn't have much swagger, the players seem to have quiet confidence. This can make the difference even more.Southgate's England has managed to end the negative feedback loop of drama, disappointment and drama. It's not that they play better football or have better players, at least for those who make it onto the pitch. But the difference is in how they conduct themselves and how the camp presents them.The manager may not be the only one responsible. It could be the players. The media and fans may be a little happier after 18 months of pandemic.Although it may not be enough for the Euros to win, it is still a far cry from the past.
