Gareth Southgate revealed a prickly side, often unseen, after England’s dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland on Saturday.
The England manager reacted sharply to the assertion by a German journalist that his team have benefitted from a kind slate of fixtures in major tournaments under his stewardship.
Indeed, Southgate and his team have come in for heavy criticism from pundits and fans alike for their uninspiring performances in the tournament so far. Yet, the Three Lions under his leadership have reached their third semi-final in the last four major tournaments.
On Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY podcast, co-hosts Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton said they believe that the England manager went ‘a bit rogue’ in his recent response and reckon it revealed a facet of his character that he rarely shows.
Additionally, the pair commented on the harsh words he receives despite his stunning record as England manager. Indeed, Saturday’s clash against the Swiss saw Southgate become only the third man to reach 100 games as Three Lions boss.
Joining Walter Winterbottom and Alf Ramsey, Southgate is in the even more exclusive group – along with the latter – to lead the England to a major tournament final. Ladyman and Sutton remarked that ‘he is the first manager to be criticised while winning’ and hailed his record in the dug out.
Listen to the latest episode of It’s All Kicking Off in full below or on Mail Podcasts:
Gareth Southgate shut down a German reporter’s accusation that England have had easy runs
He has joined Walter Winterbottom and Alf Ramsey as the only men to reach 100 games as England manager
Chris Sutton (left) and Ian Ladyman (right) believe that Gareth Southgate has come in for some unfair criticism
