"Whenever we play anyone decent, we get beat" - Former England star wants Gareth Southgate to be sacked as Three Lions lose Euro 2024 final
Former England player Gabriel Agbonlahor has slammed manager Gareth Southgate and called for his sacking after the team lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain. The match ended in a 2-1 win for La Roja on Sunday (July 14) at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Agbonlahor criticized Southgate, who was recently tipped for knighthood. The former Aston Villa striker wrote:
"Southgate knighted? Whenever we play anyone decent we get beat! Spain battered us let’s have it right! Southgate out!"
Fans and experts criticized Gareth Southgate's management throughout the tournament despite England reaching the final. The Three Lions, along with Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, were sorted into Group C, which they topped with five points (one win and two draws).
Southgate's squad bagged a 2-1 win against Slovakia in the Round of 16, followed by a 5-3 win on penalties against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. They beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Prior to the Euro 2024, England finished as the runners-up once. In 2020, they lost to Italy in the final. The Three Lions finished third in 1968 and 1996.
British Royal Family release statement in support of the England team and Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024 final loss
The Royal Family has released a statement in support of the England team and manager Gareth Southgate after their Euro 2024 final loss against Spain. The statement read (via Sky Sports News' X handle):
"Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high."
"All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even we congratulate Spain. But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead."
Following England's loss in the Euro 2024 final, Gareth Southgate became the only manager to have lost two finals in the history of the tournament.