Gareth Southgate's critics told to 'eat humble pie' after England's run to Euro 2024 final as Three Lions legend David Seaman brands negativity 'a joke' ahead of Spain clash

Southgate has had to deal with plenty of outside noise throughout the tournament, as England limped through the group stage with one win and two draws against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. They have grown into the tournament, however, beating Slovakia in extra time, Switzerland on penalties, and Netherlands thanks to a brilliant last-minute Ollie Watkins goal.

Southgate has also been criticised at times for his propensity to use substitutions late in games - he introduced Watkins with just 10 minutes to go - but Seaman maintains that the former Middlesbrough boss deserves far more credit than he is receiving, and hopes he can cap eight years of forward momentum by winning the trophy on Sunday and shutting up his critics.

Seaman told Betway: "England are in the Euro 2024 final, and I’m delighted for Gareth Southgate.

"We saw a big jump in performance against the Netherlands, and there are a lot of people who are going to eat some humble pie because the stick they were giving Gareth was a joke. He has ignored all the criticism and done it his way.

"People have called on him to bring substitutes on earlier, but he makes changes when he feels they’re going to have an impact. Bringing Luke Shaw on at half-time was a masterstroke because he gave us the width we miss when Kieran Trippier comes inside onto his right foot. With Shaw on the left, we seemed a lot better. It will be interesting to see who Gareth goes with in the final.

"I was surprised that Phil Foden came off in the second half, but Cole Palmer came on and set up Ollie Watkins’ winner. Gareth is making decisions that we’re not all seeing, and they’re paying off.

"There have been no knee-jerk reactions. When I watch Gareth, it seems like he’s always in control, apart from his celebrations when he properly goes for it! I think a lot of people have realised that they don’t know what they’re talking about. People were slating him, but we’ve now reached back-to-back European Championship finals.

"Winning the tournament would put a cherry on top of the cake for Gareth as England manager, because what he’s built has been massive."

The small matter of the final of Euro 2024. Southgate has already become the first manager to guide England's male team to two finals, and he will aim to go one better than Euro 2020. Victory would end 58 years of hurt.