Gareth Southgate has expressed his understanding of the booing from England supporters after the team’s lackluster performance and 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley. The manager acknowledged that the team didn’t play well enough to keep the fans engaged during the match. Southgate also pointed out that missed chances may have masked some flaws that were apparent in the game.
Despite the negative reaction, Southgate has no qualms with the supporters’ response. He believes that in order to have the fans on their side, England needs to provide enough goal-mouth action, play well, and win the ball with intensity. The manager recognizes that the team’s performance against Iceland was not up to par and understands why the fans reacted the way they did.
Looking ahead to the Euro 2024 campaign, Southgate acknowledges that England needs to improve their performance when they don’t have possession of the ball. He believes that without the ball, England became uncomfortable in the game, which affected their rhythm and ability to sustain attacks. Southgate emphasizes that being better without the ball would have made a significant difference in the outcome of the match.
Southgate also acknowledges that there is room for improvement with the ball, but he doesn’t consider it to be the biggest factor in their defeat against Iceland. He attributes the major problem to their performance without the ball. The manager points out that the team is not physically perfect and has had to make adjustments due to injuries to key players like Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. However, he still believes that the players currently in those positions are the best available and they are working hard to reach the required level.
In conclusion, Southgate’s understanding of the supporters’ reaction shows his commitment to improving the team’s performance. He recognizes the areas where England needs to make adjustments and emphasizes the importance of playing well both with and without possession of the ball. With the Euro 2024 campaign approaching, Southgate is determined to address the team’s flaws and ensure they are prepared for the challenges ahead.