Southgate asks fans to back his players as England book thier place in the round of 16

A few England fans expressed their dissatisfaction to manager Gareth Southgate following a lackluster 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024 by throwing empty beer cups in his direction.

Southgate, whose team topped Group C with five points but only scored two goals in three games, mentioned that he will handle the criticism but urged the fans to back his players.

"I get it. I won't shy away from it. The key thing is for the supporters to stand by the team," Southgate informed reporters.

"I understand the focus on me, and it's better for the team than if it were on them. However, it's creating a unique environment to work in. I haven't seen any other team qualify and face similar circumstances."

Despite being the favorites, England disappointed fans with three lackluster performances, failing to make a statement with a convincing win on Tuesday that would have set them up well for the knockout stages.

"The players maintained their composure in a tough environment," Southgate remarked. "Of course, we would have liked a couple of goals to send everyone home happy. But we showed improvement compared to the last game."

England, who struggled in their 1-1 draw with Denmark, dominated possession with 72% and completed 694 passes compared to Slovenia's 208, but few of them troubled their opponents.

There were some positive signs in what Southgate and captain Harry Kane described as their best performance of the three matches, with substitutes Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon bringing much-needed energy.

"I believe the changes we made had a positive impact on the game tonight," Southgate stated. "We couldn't find the right pass or final touch. However, we are making progress."

It is unlikely that we would suddenly become free and liberated and score four or five goals. Football doesn't operate in that manner. However, I did observe progress in our performance. The goals will eventually come.

Southgate's team can find solace in recent history. They performed poorly in a 0-0 draw against Scotland in the group stage three years ago, but went on to finish as runners-up to Italy in Euro 2020.

"We never want to look back and realize that we didn't top the group, leading to tougher matches where people can accuse us of having a difficult draw because of it," Southgate stated.

On a positive note for England, they have remained unbeaten in their last 14 European Championship group stage matches, dating back to a 2-1 loss against France in 2004. Additionally, they have landed on the opposite side of the knockout draw compared to France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal.

According to Southgate, maintaining a positive atmosphere within the team is crucial amidst the criticism leading up to Sunday's last-16 game.

"We have successfully brought back the fun in playing for England over the past three or four years," he remarked. "It has been an enjoyable experience for the players, and we must ensure that it continues to be that way."