England manager Gareth Southgate says the scrutiny surrounding his team can sometimes be “unfair” and that people should not expect victory as a matter of course, ahead of England’s second Group stage match against Denmark.
England narrowly beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening group stage match, but the performance attracted criticism from the media and fans alike. Southgate says he and his players are used to facing such high standards.
Southgate said: “I’ve been around for eight years, so I understand it. It used to get to me more, but it’s water off a duck’s back now. Winning at major tournaments is very, very difficult and this one is different from the last two. We’ve had some good results over the years, so perhaps it’s taken for granted. I should be making my lads enjoy it more. I wish they were happier than I am! I personally don’t have the time to think about that, right now I’m just focused on two more very difficult group games to get through.”
Southgate admitted that it can be difficult to take criticism, even after a win, but it is the life of an England manager. Southgate said: “The environment with England is one of the hardest things to deal with, not just the opposition on the pitch, but dealing with everything else.”
Finally, Southgate discussed his hopes for the next game: “We’ve got good players, we’ll be better than we were in the first game. We were under pressure in the first game, we defended well and I think the players will be better for a tough game. Luke Shaw? He won’t be involved tomorrow, he’s progressing as we originally anticipated, there’s more work to be done and more rehabilitation, he’s training with the team but also has his own rehabilitation plan.”
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