England manager Gareth Southgate has reacted to his side’s victory over Slovakia in the round of 16 of Euro 2024.
Coach Gareth Southgate expects criticism of England’s inconsistency, but “desire, commitment and character” of the team cannot be “challenged”he said after qualifying for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Sunday. “I can imagine how everyone will react, even though we won, but we are still here. I think the only thing that cannot be questioned is desire, commitment and character.he said in the post-match conference.
For the rest of the tournament, “we know our level of play will have to be higher, but there was a spirit and unity that developed”he insisted. England, virtually eliminated at the end of regulation time, equalized against Slovakia with a goal from Jude Bellingham in the 90th+5, before taking the lead through Harry Kane at the start of extra time. “The two players who scored the goals could have been replaced with 15 minutes to go because they looked physically tired, but that’s what they are capable of and that’s why we kept them »Southgate said.
The England manager has been criticised for his Euro squads, where he made only one change to his starting line-up from game to game. “I’m sure some will still question our performance, and I understand that, but we have qualities that have kept us in the game and they shouldn’t be underestimated. I am very proud of the way the players pulled together and the leadership they showed, not only on the field but also off it.he detailed.
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Southgate admitted he struggled to escape the opposition’s pressure, particularly in the first half. But he said he believed in his players’ ability to turn the game around. “I believed all game long that we were going to score that goal. I didn’t think it would be that late. But it was a night where I was not prepared, not ready to go home and the players clearly felt the same way.”.
