Southgate accepts negative reaction to England is ‘probably because of me’

Southgate lamented the atmosphere that is pressing down on the squad after three largely uninspired displays in Germany and is aware that he could be the problem

England manager Gareth Southgate puts his arm round Harry Kane as he is substituted

Thu, 27 Jun, 2024 - 06:44

David Hytner, Erfurt.

Gareth Southgate has pleaded with the nation to support his England players at Euro 2024 – even the fans who want him out. The manager endured a long night of the soul after Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Slovenia, a performance disfigured by the lack of thrust and ingenuity in front of goal. The result did, however, carry the team through to the last 16 as Group C winners where they will face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

Southgate lamented the atmosphere that is pressing down on the squad after three largely uninspired displays in Germany and is aware that he could be the problem. “Our world is different [to other teams] at the moment and I feel that is probably because of me,” he said.