Gary Neville defends criticism of England stars with telling admission on Euros struggles
Gary Neville has defended the criticism England have received at Euro 2024 so far and sent a warning to the squad.
England finished top of their group and are now set to take on Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday, but their performances have come in for criticism. Gary Lineker notably said they had played "s***" after a 1-1 draw against Denmark, which prompted captain Harry Kane to hit back.
However, Neville has warned England not to start thinking they are "they're the only ones getting criticised", with the likes of France, Belgium and the Netherlands also facing criticism over their performances.
"Gareth and the players have handled the media extremely well over the last three tournaments," Neville said on ITV. "What they mustn't do is go down a rabbit hole and think they're the only ones getting criticised if they don't play well.
"Referring back to times gone by, this is football criticism that we're seeing. We're talking about tactics, positions, who should come in at midfield alongside Declan Rice. They are genuine conversations because there's a genuine disappointment so far this tournament.
"Previously it's been very personal, an annihilation of individuals, I'm not seeing that so don't go down a rabbit hole thinking it's really unfair." Following England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia, some fans threw empty beer cups in Southgate's direction.
When asked about the reaction after the game, Southgate said: "I understand it. I'm not going to back away from it. The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me and that's better for the team than it being towards them.
England's performances at Euro 2024 have come in for criticism
"But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. They (England's players) kept composure in a game where they've come into a really challenging environment.
"Of course, we'd love a couple of goals that sends everybody home happy. But we were definitely an improvement on what we did in the last game. I think the changes we made had a positive effect on the game tonight.
"We weren't able to find the right pass, the final finish. But we are improving. I don't think we were suddenly going to be free and liberated and stick four or five goals in. Football doesn't work that way. I saw progress. The goals will come."
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