Gareth Southgate has admitted traveling England fans created an 'unusual atmosphere' following England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia to top Group C.
England emerge from the Euro 2024 group stages top and remain unbeaten, despite another uninspiring performance in Cologne on Tuesday.
Southgate's men kept another clean sheet, making Jordan Pickford the outright record holder for shutouts at major tournaments for England. However, the Everton man's goal was never under any real threat from Slovenia.
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It was the other end of the pitch that again brought cause for concern, with another rather toothless display with the same patterns of sideways and backward passing leading to a dull affair.
At full-time Southgate was seen clapping the England support separately from his players, but the England boss was met with boos and even had plastic cups thrown at him by sections of supporters.
Speaking after the game Southgate questioned the fans actions, considering the point secured England a place on the more favorable side of the draw.
“I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive a similar reaction. I’m very proud of the players for the way they handle it," Southgate said via Sky Sports.
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“The players kept composure in a game when they have come into it with a really challenging environment. It’s taken me back to days when I was playing for England.
“I’m not going to back away from it. I understand the narrative towards me, better for me than it being towards them. It’s creating an unusual atmosphere to operate in," he added.
In fairness to Southgate, England still look like a difficult side to beat which is arguably the most important trait a team can have in knockout football, but given the attacking talent available the showings so far are difficult to justify.
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Tom Jenkins