Gareth Southgate defiantly applauded England fans as they booed and threw plastic cups at the Three Lions boss following the dismal goalless draw against Slovenia.
Southgate’s England were held to a second draw in two matches as the Euro 2024 group stages came to an end. While Harry Kane and co. could note that a top spot was secured along with qualification to the round of 16, another turgid performance leaves plenty of questions still unanswered.
Bukayo Saka thought he’d put England up mid-way through the first half as he tapped in at the back post following a dazzling move from England’s right-hand side, but the Arsenal forward was ruled offside. From there, England toiled to break down Slovenia’s organised defence despite boasting just under three-quarters of the possession and managing 12 shots on goal to Slovenia’s four.
Matjaž Kek’s side has proven a formidable opponent in the group stages, claiming draws in all three of their matches. Before the England match, Slovenia were undefeated in eight matches and had lost just once in 13.
That history will do little to assuage fans, who let their fury known at full-time with a chorus of boos raining down from the terraces of Cologne's Rheinenergiestadion.
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Southgate made his way over to fans at full-time and fans did not give the England boss a kind reception, taking aim with plastic cups and boos. But the 53-year-old continued to clap the fans despite the clear discontent he conjured amongst them.
“I understand the reactions but it is a tough environment," Southgate told ITV. "We tried to win the game by the changes we made. We put attacking players on the pitch." He added: "I understand the narrative towards me. That's better for the team than it being towards them. But it's creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar."
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Southgate called on England's fans to support the team, hitting out at the "very, very unusual" current atmosphere being created. “They were brilliant, in the second half especially there was a constant noise around the team,” he said. “I get it that they are not happy with me, that is the reality, I am not going to back away from that. I need them behind the team.
"I have to deal with what I am dealing with. I was not going to back away from going over to thank people for coming and giving the support that they did, but I know that this is causing an issue for the group. I can deal with that but I need them to support the players. The more the fans are like they were in the second half, behind the team it is a massive lift for them, because we are operating in a very, very unusual environment."
Gareth Southgate tried to put a positive spin on England's draw (Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! What did you make of England's performance? Comment below.
Southgate attempted to salvage some credit in the performance with Kobbie Mainoo replacing Conor Gallagher at half-time. Both Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon were given their first minutes of the tournament – the Chelsea star given a run of 20, while Gordon was afforded just four minutes in regular time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, relieved of his experimental duties in midfield, was brought on in his more familiar right-back berth. Despite the promise that the substitutes stirred, another draw and lethargic display will no doubt add fuel to the ongoing criticism surrounding England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Southgate’s tactics have been routinely called into question since the start of the tournament, with the manager charged with limiting the creativity of a side teeming with high-quality players. During half-time, Gary Neville bemoaned how "basic" the side looked, adding that the nature of the displays made him "sad" given the quality of the squad.
Before the start of the tournament, Southgate admitted that his future as England manager hinged on his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. He led England to the Euro 2020 final, where his side succumbed to Italy in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
But now in his eighth year and fourth major tournament at the helm, Southgate told German publication Bild that "if we don't win, I probably won't be here anymore," putting even more pressure on the under-pressure coach to deliver.
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With the top spot in Group C secured, England will face the third-placed team from groups D, E or F on Sunday at 5pm - with potential opponents being the Netherlands following their 3-2 defeat to Austria.
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