English fans were furious with Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, who was booed, and the team had empty cups thrown at them after another disappointing game in Cologne.
England was held to a goalless draw by Slovakia in their third Group C match at the 2024 Euros.
Southgate has come to the defense of his players, stating that some fans’ reactions to the team’s performances at the tournament are creating an unusual environment. He said:
“I’m not going to back away from it. The most important thing is that the supporters stay with the team.”
“I understand the narrative towards me, and that’s better for the team than it being towards them. But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar reactions. I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it, but I’m very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.”
While calling for patience and composure from the fans, a defiant Southgate also stated that no game is easy, highlighting their strength as they have not been beaten in the tournament.
“I can deal with that, but I need them to support the players. No game is easy, and we are going to come under criticism—we have to deal with that. We have finished top of the group, and we have not played our best.”
“We have got to keep a positive mindset and focus on the positives. We know we weren’t perfect, but we didn’t get beaten in three games.”
The manager gave Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon, and Conor Gallagher their first appearances in the tournament during the second half. Despite the criticism, the Three Lions have advanced to the round of 16 after topping Group C with 5 points.
They recorded a slim 1-0 victory against Serbia in their opening match, drew 1-1 in their second game against Denmark, and another goalless stalemate against Slovakia last night.
