By Sean Walsh
Gareth Southgate admitted that he understood why England fans threw cups of beer at him in anger following Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
The Three Lions are into the last 16 of Euro 2024 after finishing top of Group C, despite tallying just five points from three games.
To go with the subpar results have been a series of underwhelming performances. England were booed off by their supporters at half-time and full-time of their stalemate with Slovenia in Cologne, while Southgate was targeted with beer cups as he went over to applaud fans.
When asked post-match if he was aware of the fans' reaction and his feelings on the matter, Southgate replied: "Yeah, I understand it. I'm not going to back away from it.
"The most important thing is we stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me. That's better for the team than it being towards them, but it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I'm not going to back away from it.
"Firstly, the fans were exceptional in the second half with the team. That makes such a difference to them. I’m very very proud of the players. They kept composure in a game where they’ve come into it on the back of a really challenging environment.
"It's taken me back to the days when I was playing with England. They've dealt with it really well. Composure with the ball, waiting for the opportunity. We dominated the second half.
"Of course, we would have loved to have sent the fans home happy, but we were definitely an improvement on the last game. It was important to win the group because you control your own destiny."
England will take on one of the best-ranked third place teams in the last 16 and will discover their opponent at the conclusion of the group stage on Wednesday. As it stands, their most likely pairing is with the Netherlands.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as England fans launch beer cups at Gareth Southgate following Slovenia draw.
