"I don't need to listen to externals" - Gareth Southgate responds to criticism from Lineker ahead of England-Slovenia Euro 2024 clash
England manager Gareth Southgate has responded to criticism from Gary Lineker ahead of England's Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia. The Three Lions will take on Slovenia in their final group-stage game on Tuesday, June 25.
Southgate has come under major criticism for how England have fared in the Euros. Lineker has been one of the biggest critics of the former Middlesbrough star, who has now responded.
Although Lineker admitted that Southgate has turned England's fortunes around in many ways, he questioned the tactical vulnerability of the manager.
Southgate claimed he is his biggest critic and always tries to learn from his mistakes. The 53-year-old insisted that he does not need to listen to external criticism.
Southgate was quoted as saying by Goal:
"That's the world we're in. I'm oblivious to it, it's not important to me at all. What's important to me is I guide this group of players through the tournament. We're a high-profile team. I'm very comfortable with that life."
The England manager added:
"I don't need to listen to externals because I am my own biggest critic and I think most of the players are as well. That's how you coach a team and improve performance."
Gareth Southgate's side have struggled to impress at Euro 2024. They started their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Serbia before being held to a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
Chris Sutton urges England to make a big change against Slovenia in their Euro 2024 clash
Chris Sutton has urged Gareth Southgate to make a big change against Slovenia in their upcoming Euro 2024 clash. The former Chelsea striker wants the England boss to be 'ruthless' in his selection and start Cole Palmer.
Sutton was quoted as saying by Metro:
"He's got to be ruthless now, hasn't he because things haven't been working. I think I was very excited before the tournament by the attacking players England had at their disposal, but they haven't clicked as they should have done. A lot of people are talking about off-the-ball but on-the-ball in the final third, it hasn't been as productive, as slick and the combinations haven't been there."
"One thing which I have found quite baffling is the omission of Cole Palmer. I think given the season he had at Chelsea, it's quite baffling for him not to have been given any game time in the opening two games. I would play [Declan] Rice alongside Jude Bellingham because he can be a six or an eight or a 10 and I would find a way to get Cole Palmer into the team. If we're searching for that bit more creativity, then he's the perfect player to provide it," he added.
Cole Palmer enjoyed a stellar season for Chelsea after joining the Blues from Manchester City in a reported £45 million deal last summer. In 45 appearances across competitions for the Stamford Bridge outfit, he registered 25 goals and 15 assists.