- England drew 0-0 with Slovenia in the final group match of the tournament.
- The Three Lions have struggled throughout the tournament in Germany at the Euros.
- Listen to It’s all starting! UROS DAILY: England were ‘abysmal’, ‘stunk’ and played like a ‘team of five-year-olds’
Gary Neville has defended criticism of England players and urged stars to resist “falling down a rabbit hole” believing they are the only team facing a backlash.
Gareth Southgate’s side produced another lukewarm performance at the Cologne Stadium on Tuesday night, and for much of the match failed to improve on their performance against Denmark, which drew heavy criticism.
Despite this, the Three Lions were still able to take first place in Group C after the Danes and Serbia drew 0-0 in the other match.
The discontent of fans and experts came to light the following day, but England is not alone in its position of being the pre-tournament favorite turned Euro disappointment.
France, Holland and Belgium have all faced criticism after lackluster performances in the group stage and Neville believes the English stars should be careful not to start thinking they are the only ones on the receiving end of harsh words.
Gary Neville (left) defended the ‘football criticism’ directed at English stars after their poor performances at the Euros. Pictured: Neville, Ange Postecoglou (centre) and Roy Keane (right)
The former Manchester United defender urged players not to go down a rabbit hole and believe they are the only team facing criticism.
The Three Lions topped their group after another dull performance in Germany on Tuesday.
“Gareth and the players have handled the media extremely well over the last three tournaments,” Neville said on ITV. “What they shouldn’t do is go down a rabbit hole and think that they are the only ones who are criticized if they don’t play well.
“Looking back, what we’re seeing is criticism of football. We’re talking about tactics, positions, who should be in midfield alongside Declan Rice. These are genuine conversations because there’s real disappointment so far in the tournament.
“Previously it’s been very personal, an annihilation of individuals, I don’t see it, so don’t go down a rabbit hole thinking it’s really unfair.”
After the final whistle on Tuesday, boos were heard among England fans after head coach Southgate had three plastic cups thrown at him to greet traveling fans.
More doubts have been raised over the team’s hopes of winning a tournament, while uncertainty over Southgate’s position as head coach after the Euros will increase following the fan reaction after another abysmal performance in Germany.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who is part of ITV’s team of experts for the tournament, sympathized with the English coach’s situation and highlighted the need to focus on football in the upcoming matches.
“I feel sorry for him in this position.” The Australian said. “When it comes to your own team it means more. When you take that job, it’s more than just a coaching job and you feel very proud.
“The cups that were thrown at him, I know they would hurt him, especially because he has had an incredible tenure, and he might still have the most incredible tenure of any England manager at the end. Apart from Sir Alf, obviously.
Belgian fans expressed their discontent after their team failed to win two of their matches and finished second, forcing them to face France in the round of 16.
Gareth Southgate was booed by England and had plastic cups thrown into the stands.
“But at the same time, the focus must be on football, that’s where the decisions lie.”
“We’re here talking about team selection, the mentality they go into games with, but I still think that’s the key for England.
“All that external noise has always been and will always be there.”
England will find out their final 16 opponents on Wednesday night. The tie will take place on Sunday afternoon in Gelsenkirchen.