Gareth Southgate questions 'unusual environment' around England team after hostile crowd reaction to dour Slovenia draw at Euro 2024

Southgate and his Three Lions faced jeers from their fans after displaying yet another underwhelming performance in their stalemate against Slovenia on Tuesday. As the manager headed towards the stands after the game to applaud the supporters, a section of the angry crowd was seen throwing empty cups at him.

The 53-year-old manager, later, addressed the issue as he said that he understood the fans' anger, however, he also added that their hostile behaviour is creating an "unusual atmosphere" around the team. Southgate went on to urge the fans to direct their anger towards him but continue to support the players.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the English coach said: "I understand it. I'm not going to back away from it. The most important thing here is that the supporters stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me and that's better for me than it being towards them. But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any team qualify and receive similar.

"I recognise that when you have moments at the end of the game, I'm asking the players to be fearless, I'm not going to back down from going over and thanking the fans who were brilliant during the game. They might feel differently towards me. But for me, we only will succeed if we are together. That energy is crucial for the team and it is so important they stay with the team, however they feel towards me."

The Three Lions will be next seen in action on Sunday as they are all set to feature in the round of 16 of Euro 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, with the Netherlands likely to be their opponents unless an unexpected change of events occurs on the final day of the group stage.