Gareth Southgate is a man fighting to appease the masses amid England’s patchy form at Euro 2024.
And though the 53-year-old has steered the Three Lions into the round of 16 of the tournament in Germany, it seems as though he’s struggling to win fans round.
England fans have started to turn on Gareth Southgate amid the Three Lions’ patchy form at Euro 2024
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But Southgate is aware his popularity is waning, despite England still being in with a huge shot of making the final of the competition.
Speaking after the Slovenia game, he said he feels the negativity of fans is impacting his side.
“Our world is different at the moment and I feel that is probably because of me,” he said.
“I’m not going to change that so it’s pointless me spending energy (on it).
“But I’m not going to back away from it. I understand the feeling towards me, but I want the fans to back the players.”
According to the Daily Mail, the FA would like Southgate to stay.
They ‘do not’ want to part ways with the former Middlesbrough boss, despite the criticism he’s received.
They are happy with everything he’s achieved during his time in the England dugout, with the Three Lions making one final, one semi-final and one quarter-final during his reign.
Even if England fall below expectations at the tournament, the FA are convinced Southgate should keep his job.
READ MORE:England have three players that need dropping as Gareth Southgate woes worsen in Slovenia draw
However, if he does end up departing, the report says the governing body have a ‘plan B’ in place.
It’s claimed they are huge admirers of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who has impressed throughout his managerial career.
He previously worked wonders at Bournemouth, helping the Cherries punch well above their weight.
And Howe has helped Newcastle become a force once again in the Premier League, too.
The Toon finished fourth in the league in 2023, securing Champions League football in the process.
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England are admirers of Eddie Howe with Gareth Southgate struggling to win fans round at Euro 2024
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And Newcastle finished seventh last term, below rivals such as Manchester United and West Ham.
England will now face Slovakia in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Southgate, speaking after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, has insisted he will do everything in his power to ‘keep players on track’ as they look to reach the last eight.
“I have to keep the players right on track,” Southgate said.
“On the day of the game I showed them pictures of Italy celebrating their qualification with their fans, of Hungary celebrating when they didn’t even know if they were through. Denmark celebrating a draw against us and they were on two points.
England boss Gareth Southgate is looking ahead to his side’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia
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“Our world is different at the moment and I feel that is probably because of me.
“I have to help the players as much as I possibly can because we brought the joy back into playing for England and we have to be very careful of where we head with it.”