Some England supporters’ reactions to the team’s performances at Euro 2024 are creating an unusual atmosphere and posing a problem for the squad, according to manager Gareth Southgate.
After a goalless draw against Slovenia and a 1-1 tie with Denmark in their previous group-stage game, Southgate’s team finished at the top of Group C on Tuesday.
Following yet another below-par display against a team ranked 57th in the world, 52 positions lower than England, the Three Lions boss was booed off the pitch and had empty cups thrown at him.
“I won’t shy away from it,” he stated. “The most crucial thing is for the fans to stay behind the team.”
Despite having an early goal by Bukayo Saka disallowed for offside, England failed to trouble Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Southgate acknowledged why fans have expressed their disappointment with the team’s underwhelming performances and results, including a 1-0 win over Serbia, ranked 32nd in the tournament’s opening match.
At half-time in Cologne, supporters jeered at England, and Southgate faced further negativity when he went to acknowledge the fans at full-time, with a few plastic pint cups thrown towards him.
England’s performance in their second group game against Denmark received widespread criticism from pundits. Captain Harry Kane called for more positivity from the media leading up to the match against Slovenia and expressed his belief that former players should remember how challenging tournament football can be.
A social media video captured inside Cologne Stadium showed some England fans using offensive language towards Southgate, leading to arguments with other supporters who believed they should be supporting the team and the manager.
Southgate gave interviews to various broadcasters after the match before holding a news conference. He acknowledged that the overall reaction was creating an intense atmosphere and that the players were feeling the pressure. Having experienced this environment as both a player and a coach for 20 years, Southgate emphasized the importance of staying focused and ensuring a united dressing room.
During the news conference, Southgate highlighted the efforts made over the past few years to make England’s football enjoyable again. He emphasized the need to maintain this positive atmosphere for the players’ benefit.
Southgate also expressed concern about certain supporters’ responses, stating that they were causing issues within the team and urging a change in behavior.
