Gareth Southgate has implored on England fans to get behind the team after he was targeted by a few disgruntled supporters following Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
The Three Lions put in another underwhelming performance at the Cologne Stadium, though did finish top of their Euro 2024 group after a goalless draw between Denmark and Serbia.
After the game, according to the FA’s official match report, a couple of empty cups were thrown in Southgate’s direction at full time.
And the England boss, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, has now urged supporters to get behind the side – though did acknowledge their feelings of disappointment.
Gareth Southgate has implored on England fans to get behind the team after he was targeted by a few disgruntled supporters following Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia
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“They (fans) were brilliant, in the second half especially there was a constant noise around the team,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“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.”
On fans throwing cups, Southgate says he ‘understands’ the anger simmering among supporters.
At his post-match press conference, the England boss added: “We have made England over the last three or four years fun again.
“I think it has been enjoyable for the players and we have got to be very, very careful that it stays that way.
“I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it.
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“The most important thing is 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.
“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.”
Southgate also feels England dominated the game against Slovenia.
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Gareth Southgate says England dominated the game during their goalless draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024
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But he wants his side to be more ruthless in front of goal so their possession can count.
“We totally dominated the game, particularly second half,” said the England boss.
“We had them pinned in for long, long periods.
“I was pleased that we had the composure not to get anxious.
“We know what the last week or so has been like and in those moments when everyone is desperate for the win you begin to use the ball not so patiently and find yourselves in trouble.
Gareth Southgate is taking the positives from England’s goalless draw with Slovenia amid their dreams of Euro 2024 glory
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“Really pleased with the impact of all the players that came into the game.
“Of course we would have like a couple of goals to send everyone home happy but that wasn’t to be tonight.
“That was not for the want of trying by the players, we just lacked that finishing touch. The final touch or pass let us down a bit a few times.”