"Funny how it’s always on the manager" - Liverpool legend defends Gareth Southgate after England's Euro 2024 final heartbreak
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has defended Gareth Southgate after England's Euro 2024 final heartbreak against Spain. The Three Lions lost 2-1 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday, July 14.
After a goalless first half, Nico Williams broke the deadlock in the 47th minute before Cole Palmer equalized for England (73'). Mikel Oyarzabal then tapped in Marc Cucurella's cross home (86') to hand Spain the win. La Roja are the first team in history to win the Euros with a perfect record.
On the other hand, Southgate continues to end up on the wrong side of results since his playing career and now also as England's manager. After losing the Euro 2020 final, his side have now finished runners-up in the 2024 edition as well.
Southgate's philosophy has come under criticism as well, with some opining that he hasn't been able to bring the best out of this massively talented English team. Carragher, however, has defended Southgate, writing on X:
"Sven played 442, Fabio was too strict, Gareth is too defensive! Funny how it's always on the manager isn't it?!! The fact is our big players didn't turn up in this tournament. And other tournaments going back years."
England had one of the most talent-rich squads heading into Euro 2024. However, the likes of Phil Foden and Harry Kane underperformed in the tournament.
Kane, despite scoring three goals in the competition, failed to make any notable contributions during the final. While England showed character and fighting spirit, they once again returned home empty-handed.
Gareth Southgate reflects on his England future after Euro 2024 loss
Gareth Southgate has now been in charge of England for eight years and despite leading the team to two finals, he has failed at the final hurdle. The manager claimed now is not the time to decide his future.
He further added that players should hold their heads high for the way they performed throughout Euro 2024. Speaking to iTV after the defeat to Spain, Southgate said (via BBC):
"Of course to take England to two finals has never been done but we came here to win and we haven't been able to do that."
Southgate further hailed England's quality and pointed out how they haven't been able to get past the final hurdle.