Gareth Southgate heaps praise on England’s ‘character and resilience’ after their shoot-out victory against Switzerland… as Three Lions boss begins to heal rift with supporters
- Listen to It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY: Why Southgate is talking ‘nonsense’ about England’s Euro 2024 draw
- England secured a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating Switzerland
- Afterwards, Gareth Southgate was quick to praise his side’s ‘character’
Gareth Southgate began to heal his rift with the fans as England progressed to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home the winning penalty to give England a 100 per cent run in a thrilling shoot-out after Bukayo Saka scored a superb equaliser following Breel Embolo’s opener for Switzerland.
Southgate was heavily criticised by fans in Germany, with plastic beer cups even being thrown at the England manager during the group stage.
But the England manager celebrated the penalty shootout victory in euphoric scenes in front of his team’s supporters, saying: ‘Sometimes you think this job should be a bit of fun.
“If I can’t enjoy that moment, then the whole thing is a waste of time. I took this job to help. I can’t deny that it’s as personal as the last few weeks have been…
Gareth Southgate celebrated with supporters after Saturday night’s win over Switzerland
England won 5-3 on penalties – after a 1-1 draw in extra time – to reach the semi-finals
But we’re still fighting.
“We showed incredible character and resilience. You have to find ways to win and deal with everything around you.
‘To come back from behind twice and have that same composure was impeccable.’
Southgate praised his team’s courage after their brave comeback.
“We showed incredible character and resilience. You have to find ways to win and deal with everything around you.
‘To come back from behind twice and have that same composure was impeccable.’
On the shoot-out, Southgate added: ‘We have a good process. We have played four and we have won three.
“We were crucified for the one we lost. It’s outcome based. We’ve refined that process a little bit. We have a quiet process.
‘But the players have to do it. So many stories: Cole [Palmer] taking his first penalty, Bukayo with his history, Jude [Beliingham] you almost wave it away, Ivan [Toney] and then Trent who could have easily thought his moment was over. I’m so incredibly proud of him.’