Watch: England fans throw empty cups at Gareth Southgate after drab 0-0 Euro 2024 draw against Slovenia
England fans reportedly threw empty cups at Gareth Southgate after the Three Lions drew 0-0 against Slovenia in their final Euro 2024 group stage game on Tuesday, June 25. The Three Lions began their campaign with a 1-0 win against Serbia and followed it up with an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Denmark.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by The Athletic journalist Dan Sheldon, fans at the stadium can be seen throwing empty cups at the English coach as he applauded them after the game. Watch it here:
Given the quality of the English squad with players like Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden, the Euro 2024 group stage results have been mediocre. Fans are also frustrated with England's drab style of play and Southgate's questionable decisions of not including players like Palmer and Mainoo in the starting line-up.
Despite their performance, England have secured their spot in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 after finishing at the top of Group C with five points. Southgate's men will face either the Netherlands or the third-placed team from Group E.
Former England star Michael Owen questions Gareth Southgate's tactics at Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate has been subjected to intense scrutiny for his tactics and starting line-up choices from fans and pundits alike.
Former English striker Michael Owen also shared his opinion on Southgate's tactics before England's final group stage game against Slovenia at Euro 2024. In a conversation with journalist Rupha Ramani on First Sports show, Owen said that instead of playing two holding midfielders, Southgate should start one central midfielder, Declan Rice.
“Gareth Southgate is adamant. We always need to play two holding midfield players and two number sixes. That for me is where the problem starts. I would just like to play with one," Owen said.
Owen gave the example of Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, who play only one central midfielder as opposed to Southgate's tactics.
"Like in the Premier League, you look at Liverpool, you look at Manchester City, Arsenal. Most teams are playing with one central midfielder. I don’t think we need anybody more than Declan Rice in there," he added.
Southgate has previously stated that his decision to start Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice for the first two group games was an "experiment" as they didn't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips. The Manchester City midfielder played as a pivot for England and was instrumental in their road to the final in the 2021 Euros.