Top of the group, unbeaten, and on the favorable side of the draw for the knockout phase of Euro 2024. 🎉 Sounds like a dream, right? Well, not if you're an England fan right now.
The Three Lions played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Cologne Stadium on Tuesday. Instead of cheers, the final whistle was met with loud jeers and flying beer cups from disgruntled fans. 🍻😠
Despite securing a spot in the Round of 16, criticism of England's performances in Germany has been fierce. Manager Gareth Southgate is feeling the heat. 🔥
\\"I've not seen any team qualify and receive similar,\\" Southgate said, clearly puzzled by the backlash. He thinks the high expectations might be to blame. \\"We've made England, over the last six or seven years, fun again. I think it has been enjoyable for the players,\\" he added. \\"We've got to be very, very careful that it stays that way.\\" 🤔
But let's be real—England haven't exactly been a thrill to watch at these Euros. A narrow 1-0 win against Serbia is their only victory in Group C, followed by a 1-1 draw with Denmark and the goalless stalemate with Slovenia. 😴
Even former captain and BBC presenter Gary Lineker couldn't hold back, using an expletive to describe the performance against Denmark. Ouch. 😬
Still, there's a silver lining. By topping their group, England have avoided heavyweights like Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal in the next round. 🌤️
\\"That was the aim before the start of the tournament. Come top of the group and control our destiny,\\" said captain Harry Kane. \\"I thought we played a lot better than the other two games. We just couldn't find that final finish.\\" ⚽
So, can England turn things around and live up to their pre-tournament hype? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the road ahead won't be easy, and the fans won't settle for anything less than epic. 🏆
Reference(s):
England boss Southgate targeted after 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euros
cgtn.com
