Fans opinion don't matter — Southgate claims ahead of Slovakia clash
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Gareth Southgate is happy with what he has seen from his England players so far at the EURO 2024. (Photo Credit: UEFA)

Fans opinion don't matter — Southgate claims ahead of Slovakia clash

Faruq Ibrahim 22:18 - 29.06.2024

England boss Gareth Southgate said he was not paying attention to the noise around the Three Lions.

England national team head coach Gareth Southgate remains bullish amid criticism from fans, stating in a recent interview that he thought opinions from supporters were irrelevant.

The Three Lions have been underwhelming in the Euros so far. Although they managed to win their group and qualify for the knockout round, they have struggled to dominate games against opponents and looked unremarkable 

This has attracted a fresh wave of criticism against the team, with Southgate bearing the brunt of it, but the former Middlesbrough coach explained that he did not care what fans thought, provided they supported the team. 

What Southgate said

"It's irrelevant [what fans think of me]," he told reporters. "The most important thing is the support for the team and what I said the other night was to try to make sure that we get the sort of support that the team got in the stadium in the second half, simple as that.

"You're probably about five per cent off where you'd like to be. Therefore, you've got to be very careful not to throw everything out the window, lose things you're doing well and lose continuity and the confidence that comes from players playing together and the understanding that comes with that.

Southgate against Slovenia || Imago
Southgate against Slovenia || Imago

"You have to ignore external advice and be assured in what you're doing. Equally, we've had some players who have come in and had a big impact from the bench. 

“Our substitutions in all of the matches have had a big impact, and we're mindful people are pushing for places; there's competition; we need that strength in depth."

The English manager maintains his stance, as he has previously echoed the same sentiments, stating that fans were allowed to have reservations against him following the final group stage game against Slovenia.

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