Gareth Southgate says the time has come for England to ‘go for it’ as they prepare to face Slovakia in the Euro 2024 knockout stages.
The England boss has been underfire in some sections of the media and among fans for England’s below-par showing in what was deemed a routine group, scoring only two goals and drawing two of their three games against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.
Setting off for the last 16! 🔜 pic.twitter.com/6utvYcuV3x
— England (@England) June 29, 2024
Southgate told a media conference ahead of Sunday’s Round of 16 tie with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen that knockout football is different from a group phase and that he was excited to see his team showcase that.
“You have to get through that first phase and there are moments within that where if you keep pushing you can lose the game,” he said.
“Now we are in the world where it has to happen on the day, you have to go for it. We have been here before.
“We have to be right on our game with and without the ball. Some parts of our game we need to better but I have seen lots of signs that it is starting to come. I am excited about the game.”
Southgate warned England followers not to get carried away with their criticism of the national team, and revealed he tries to keep the criticism from reaching the squad.
He said: “A team is never quite as poor as people might think, and not quite as good as people think.
“You are 5% off where you’d like to be so you have to careful not to throw everything out of the window and lose continuity and confidence.
“These players have great experience of knockout matches, the senior players have shown leadership and passing on that experience. As a group they are mixing, bonding, understand each other better. That’s part of forming a team.”
Southgate is wary of the threat posed by Slovakia, who finished third in Group E behind Romania and Belgium, albeit finishing level on points.
“We know it’s a tough opponent and we have to play well against a well-coached team who run a lot, we have to give a very good version of ourselves to win the game,” he said.
“Knockout football is jeopardy and on any given day an opponent can make it tough for you. It’s about how far can we go?
“We are trying to achieve something exceptional. Tomorrow is a chance to show composure, the game will take us in different directions in different moments. We have thrived on those challenges in the past.
“Confidence is growing, the players know that a lot of the performance against Slovenia was a step in the right direction.
“We have the players to do that, we will stick to the plan and make sure we show composure to sustain attacks. Goals have a huge impact on individuals and teams but it doesn’t have to be one moment.”
Gareth Southgate says he isn’t concerned if some England fans want him out… as long as they continue to get behind the team like they did in the second half v Slovenia.#BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/Eyu9iytQVB
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2024
He also urged the fans in Gelsenkirchen to show patience too, adding: “The most important thing is the support for the team.”
Southgate was targeted with some empty plastic cups as he applauded the travelling fans after the final whistle in Cologne and said: “My job is to get the best possible environment for the players and to take the responsibility at times.
“The fans should never underestimate what a lift they give the team. I am certain going into the knockout phase they will be right behind the team.”
Luke Shaw is not fit enough to start but “We will see if Luke can play any part,” said Southgate.
