- Gareth Southgate continues to face criticism despite his track record as England manager
- Southgate refutes accusations England have it easy at tournaments
- Listen to It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY: Gareth Southgate has become a bit cocky… and the mask has fallen
Gareth Southgate revealed himself to be a touchy, often invisible, team after England’s dramatic penalty win over Switzerland on Saturday.
The England manager responded sharply to a German journalist’s claim that his team has benefited from a run of major tournament wins under his leadership.
Southgate and his team have indeed come in for a lot of criticism from pundits and fans for their uninspiring performances at Euro 2024 so far. Yet under his leadership, the Three Lions have reached their third semi-final in the last four major tournaments.
Speaking on Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY podcast, co-hosts Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton said they believe the England manager was “a bit cocky” in his response and that it revealed a side of his character he rarely shows.
The pair also commented on the harsh words he receives despite his astonishing record as England manager, with Saturday’s clash against the Swiss seeing Southgate become only the third man to reach 100 games as Three Lions boss.
Along with Walter Winterbottom and Alf Ramsey, Southgate is one of the even more exclusive groups – along with the latter – to lead England to a major tournament final. Ladyman and Sutton noted that ‘he is the first manager to be criticised when he is winning’ and praised his record in the dugout.
Listen to the latest episode of It’s All Kicking Off below or on Mail Podcasts:
Gareth Southgate has denied a German reporter’s accusation that England have had an easy run