England has received strong criticism after their performances so far under the European Championship.
Now national team captain Gareth Southgate responds.
I'm not going to hide from it, says the 53-year-old.
After 0–0 against Slovenia on Tuesday, it is clear that England will win group C, ahead of Denmark, Slovenia, and finally Serbia. Despite this, the team has received strong criticism, after one win and two draws. The team has only managed to score two goals, and has not got star players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka going.
Now national team captain Gareth Southgate responds to the criticism against him, and urges supporters to back the players instead of criticising them.
"Understood the narrative"
I'm not going to hide from it. The most important thing is that the supporters stand behind the players. I've understood the narrative against me, and it's better that I hear it than it affecting the players. It creates a demanding environment to perform in, said Southgate after the match.
The 53-year-old then went on to defend the players, saying that the criticism is partly undeserved.
I haven't seen any other team go through and receive the same criticism. I understand it, but I'm proud of how the players handle it. The criticism from some supporters creates a problem for the squad. They must stand behind them, concluded Southgate.
On the "easier" side
With the group win, England has now been placed on the "easier" side of the knockout stage, avoiding major nations like France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain.
In the round of 16, one of the group thirds awaits, and if the team advances from that, either Switzerland or Italy will be the opposition in the quarterfinal.
