England face Slovakia in their crunch Euro 2024 last-16 clash and fans have made their feelings clear towards under-pressure manager Gareth Southgate
England fans booed Gareth Southgate‘s name as the name of the Three Lions’ boss was read out by the stadium PA after running through the England XI before Sunday’s last-16 match against Slovakia.
Southgate has come under fire from fans and pundits alike for a series of dismal displays in Germany thus far. While England topped their group to progress to the knockout stages, charges of lacklustre and lethargic performances have left some fans bereft of confidence in their head coach heading into Sunday’s match.
And at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, a select group of England fans in place for kick-off reportedly booed Southgate’s name as it was read aloud by the stadium announcer.
It will be a cruelly familiar sensation for Southgate, who was booed by unimpressed fans as he walked over to the travelling supporters following England’s drab goalless draw with Slovenia in their final group stage match.
A group of fans also threw beer cups in the direction of Southgate, who defiantly applauded fans as they did so.
Southgate made one change from the starting XI that faced Slovenia for Sunday’s knockout match, with teenager Kobbie Mainoo replacing Conor Gallagher in midfield.
Mainoo was a rare bright light in an otherwise insipid display against Slovenia that saw the Three Lions desperately searching for some incision and creativity.
Mainoo’s arrival in midfield marks the third adjustment in the centre of park for England in Germany thus far. Gallagher replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in the match prior after the Liverpool star was relieved of his experimental duties after unconvincing outings.
Southgate’s tactics have been routinely called into question since the start of the tournament, with the manager accused of limiting the creativity of a side teeming with high-quality players. During half-time against Slovenia, 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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