“He is a loser” - Manchester United legend delivers damning verdict on England boss Gareth Southgate before Euro 2024 quarter-final
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra had harsh criticism for coach Gareth Southgate ahead of the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between England and Switzerland on July 6. The Merkur Spiel Arena in Dusseldorf hosted the clash.
Speaking on Football Extraaa on Sony Sports Network ahead of the match, Evra called Southgate a loser. He criticized how the Englishman has not won any major tournament with the Three Lions.
"He is a loser (when it comes to tournament football). No matter how many semi-finals and finals you reach, (the fact is) he hasn’t won anything yet. With the players Gareth Southgate has got, he needs to win something," the former Manchester United star said.
The Euro 2024 run for England has not been up to the mark. The Three Lions won only one group stage match and drew in two others, before scraping through a 2-1 win in the Round of 16 against Slovakia.
Although Slovakia led 1-0 for 90 minutes, Bellingham's bicycle-kick wonder goal in stoppage time (90+5') took it to extra time. Harry Kane found the net at the beginning of extra time (91'), sealing the deal for his side.
However, England will now have to go through the quarter-final against Switzerland before facing either the Netherlands or Turkiye in the semi-final.
Ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand had kind words for Southgate before Euro 2024 clash between England and Switzerland
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand shared a different opinion to Patrice Evra regarding Gareth Southgate while speaking on BBC's Match of the Day.
Ferdinand believed Southgate's substitutions have had a positive impact, and England have done well. He agreed that the Three Lions could do better, but was confident about their chances of winning Euro 2024.
He said:
"They’ve qualified top of the group and they’ve won the first knock-out game and his [Southgate’s] substitutions have impacted games. Yes, like everyone else I want to see a better performing England, but they are getting the job done and they can win this tournament playing ugly."
Previously, former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney also had positive thoughts about England, as he predicted they would reach the final of the Euros.