Gareth Southgate Acknowledges ‘Unusual Atmosphere’ Created by Traveling England Fans After Slovenia Draw

England have emerged from the Euro 2024 group stages unbeaten and top of their group, despite another uninspiring performance in their 0-0 draw with Slovenia on Tuesday in Cologne.

While Southgate’s men kept another clean sheet, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford setting a new record for England shutouts at major tournaments, the team’s attack once again lacked potency, resorting to sideways and backward passing that led to a dull affair.

At the final whistle, Southgate was seen clapping the England supporters separately from his players, but he was met with boos and even had plastic cups thrown at him by some sections of the fans.

Addressing the crowd’s reaction, Southgate questioned the fans’ actions, considering the point secured England a more favorable position in the knockout rounds. “I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive a similar reaction,” Southgate said. “I’m very proud of the players for the way they handle it.”

The England manager acknowledged that the players had to maintain their composure in a “really challenging environment,” which he said reminded him of his own playing days with the national team.

Southgate stated that he wouldn’t “back away from it” and that he understood the “narrative towards” him, adding that it was “better for me than it being towards them” and that it was “creating an unusual atmosphere to operate in.”

While England have proven difficult to beat, a trait Southgate rightly highlighted as crucial in knockout football, their attacking performances have been hard to justify given the talent available in the squad.