Gareth Southgate dismisses England exit talk ahead of do-or-die Slovakia clash

29 June 2024 , 21:30

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Gareth Southgate has dismissed talk that the last-16 Euro 2024 showdown in Gelsenkirchen could be his last game as England manager … and has revealed he has a special incentive to stay in the tournament.

“I want to be here for another fortnight,” he declared. “I’ve got nothing to rush back for. I’m in the final of the staff padel competition. There’s a lot to look forward to. Seeing as the kit man is my partner it’s the team from heaven. I’m looking forward to a few more days here.”

Southgate had beer cups thrown at him by angry England fans and seemed almost downbeat after the dismal goalless draw against Slovenia in Cologne last Tuesday.

But the England manager was in a relaxed mood ahead of the do-or-die clash with Slovenia and believes his men have been rejuvenated by having a day off when they forget about the football.

Southgate said: “There’s definitely an excitement and a good feel around the group the last few days. It also coincided with being able to have a day off the training pitch and relaxing a little bit. A bit of golf. Stuff like that.

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“It’s not always science. We’re surrounded by science and data in our world now, and sport is about joy and enjoyment. Sometimes in a tournament it’s all you’ve got to think about and you need other stuff to talk about and enjoy and focus on.

“A nice balance of thorough preparation for the game but also some time to switch off which I think is crucial for the young players and the staff as well.” While England are hot favourites to progress to the last eight, there is, of course, the chance of a penalty shootout in Gelsenkirchen.

England manager Gareth Southgate is feeling "excited" (The FA via Getty Images)

And Southgate is clearly happy with the spot-kick experts at his disposal, saying: “We have prepared over a period of time (for penalties). “The other thing is we definitely have a lot more regular penalty takers for their clubs than we had three or four years ago - and in some instances, the second penalty takers for their clubs - so there is more experience of being in that situation.”

Southgate, who has a full squad to choose from, and everyone at the England camp started their final preparations for the Slovenia challenge by helping Jude Bellingham (21) and Eberechi Eze (26) celebrate their birthdays.

And as Bellingham struggles for form, Southgate reassured fans they will see a desperately hungry version of the Real Madrid star on Sunday. Southgate said: “We have to always remember with Jude, he is 21 today.

Southgate is confident Jude Bellingham will get back to his best (Getty Images)

“I think because of his maturity and the impact he’s had, we expect so much of him but we are singing happy birthday to him and Eberechi today and we are reminding ourselves that these are very young men.

“We’ve got a lot of young players and they are performing on one of the biggest stages in world football and there are inevitably going to be days when you hit the heights and days when you don’t quite hit those heights.

“But Jude is a top player and he is fully motivated for the game tomorrow.” When the game kicks off at six o’clock local time on Sunday, it will be the 99th game of Southgate’s tenure as England manager.

England's clash with Slovakia will be Southgate's 99th in charge (Getty Images)

And he is clearly desperate to get to the hundred milestone. He declared: “Every game being involved with England - whether it was the first one I played in or the 54th I managed - brings immense pride.

“You are leading your country. It is the pinnacle of everything. I have never taken that for granted, I have always felt a responsibility and a pride in doing that. My reason for being here is to lead the team and try to give my country the best chance of winning.”