England's national team captain Gareth Southgate has received massive criticism during the summer's European Championship. After his team secured a semifinal spot, the 53-year-old responded to the criticism.
I don't think it's normal for people to throw beer at you, says Southgate to BBC.
After great drama, England finally made it past Switzerland via a penalty shootout, and secured another semifinal in a major championship.
But the journey has been shaky. The game has not always looked brilliant, and great criticism has been directed at the team. Most criticism has been aimed at Gareth Southgate, who responded to it all after the drama.
"I can't deny"
I can't deny that it hurts when it gets as personal as it has. I don't think it's normal for people to throw beer at you. But, we're in our third semifinal in the last four tournaments. We'll continue to fight and enjoy this journey, says Southgate to BBC and continues:
If I don't get to enjoy this moment, it's just a waste of time. Now and then, there must be some joy in this job.
Sancho praised Saka
One of those who played a key role in England's advancement was Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal player made it 1–1, and then stepped forward as one of the five penalty takers who scored.
Saka was one of the three Englishmen who missed penalties in the 2021 European Championship final. Afterwards, he had to endure masses of hate and racism, along with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, who also missed penalties three years ago.
But now he finally got his revenge, something he was praised for by Jadon Sancho.
"I'm proud of this guy! You did it for me and Marcus, my brother", Sancho writes on Instagram.
England will face the Netherlands in the semifinal. In the other semifinal, Spain will meet France.
