England fans threw plastic beer cups towards Gareth Southgate after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024 in Cologne on Tuesday.
Southgate and his players approached to applaud fans post-match, despite plastic cups being hurled onto the field. England topped Group C and advances to the round of 16.
“I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it. Most important thing here is that the supporters stay with the team,” Southgate said. “I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better than it being towards them (the players). But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any team qualify and receive similar.”
Ahead of the draw with Slovenia, Southgate had been unaware of criticism from former England captain and BBC presenter Gary Lineker.
“We’ve made England over the last six or seven years fun again. I think it has been enjoyable for the players. We’ve got to be very, very careful that it stays that way,” he added.
England secured advancement to the round of 16 as Group C winner, ensuring they will face one of the qualifying third-placed teams. They are positioned opposite Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal in the tournament draw.
