Euro 2024: Another night of anguish for English fans as Gareth Southgate hopes for perspective before the qualifiers | UK News

Going into the knockout stages as unbeaten group winners – surely England would have won before the Euros?

Try telling the fans to be satisfied with the dull displays they have witnessed so far in Germany.

Just two goals – from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Just one victory – secured by Bellingham in their Group C opener against Serbia.

Two draws – the draw against Denmark followed by last night finishing goalless against Slovenia.

No wonder some supporters were seen napping in Cologne. Many more were heard scoffing at full time.

Some empty glasses were seen being thrown.

And after Gareth Southgate and his players left the pitch in Cologne, the lingering discontent was digested inside the stadium.

“I understand,” said Southgate. “I’m not going to walk away from this.

“The most important thing here is that the fans stay with the team.”

Who could England face in the round of 16?

‘Typical English performance’

They are loyal and committed.

All you had to do was see and hear the thousands of Three Lions fans packed into a central square in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral on Tuesday.

That’s why so many spent hundreds of pounds (and counting) to follow the team over the last few weeks in Germany.

But they are not convinced by Southgate and question why he cannot get his players to become an effective and exciting attacking team.

“It was a typical English display,” said William Day, a Kent fan, as he left the stadium.

“We underperformed with a team of brilliant individual players, but we didn’t play as a team. And we were very lucky not to lose to Denmark.

“I think we were the better team tonight. But we were in a very easy group and we struggled and I can’t imagine how we got to victory. I really can’t imagine.”

At least Southgate’s substitutions had an impact.

The team looked more effective when Kobbie Mainoo arrived in the second half, with Southgate praising the Manchester United midfielder’s ability to move the ball up the pitch.

Is Mainoo the solution Southgate was looking for when he initially swapped Trent Alexander-Arnold for Conor Gallagher before signing the 19-year-old?

There was also praise among fans for Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon finally being called up in the second half.

“The game has improved,” said Anna-Marie Harris, who drove to watch the Euros.

“I’m glad he’s ready to play Gordon and some of the extras. He’s not going through the routine he had before. I hope your fingers are crossed.”

But there is not much hope that the trip will last until the end of Euro 2020 until another final, in Berlin, on July 14th.

“We’re at the top of the pack,” she continued. “You’ll come home if we play like that again, won’t you?”

Southgate hoping for perspective

The frustration with Southgate is clear, as English fans do not believe they can make the most of the talent available.

Back at the stadium, long after the boos, the coach seemed perplexed to address yet another night of anguish among the traveling fans.

“I understand the kind of narrative around me and it’s better for the team than it is for them,” Southgate said.

“But it’s creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve never seen any other team qualify and receive something similar.”

Just look at Group D.

The Netherlands, who could face England in the round of 16 on Sunday, lost to Austria after picking up just four points in their opening games.

France, runner-up in the 2022 World Cup, managed just one win and two draws.

And hosts Germany won the group, but not with a 100 percent winning record and needing a stoppage-time equalizer to draw with Switzerland.

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Then there are the neighbors, Scotland. Euro 2024 was the 12th tournament without reaching the knockout stage. Just one point has been gained from three matches here.

So Southgate will hope to gain some perspective rather than focus on the two wins from the last eight games, perhaps.

“I’m very, very proud of the players,” he said, “and how they’re performing in this.”