NOW YOU’RE GURNER BELIEVE US
It’s a snappy birthday for furious Southgate as he blasts England critics as ‘outrageous’
GARETH SOUTHGATE has claimed it is “outrageous” to suggest England players do not show enough pride to play for their country.
Southgate (right) has been stung by criticism following the Three Lions’ win in Malta, when the fans booed their own team and most left before the end.
The England boss turned 47 yesterday and said: “The notion that the players aren’t proud to play
is outrageous really. They’re unbelievably proud to play.
“They might not play as well as they’d like to sometimes, not converting all their chances, but there’s no one not giving 100 per cent.
“Maybe it looks as if you can’t get to things, you’re not as sharp, so people perceive you’re not trying. The easiest reaction is to say, ‘They don’t care’.
“More often than not, players have cared too much, been wrapped up in the experience too much and not been able to give their best for that reason.
“Having worn the shirt, that’s where I think I can bring some context to it. It’s not about ‘not caring’.”
Southgate could make changes for tonight’s Wembley clash with Slovakia. Marcus Rashford is likely to start in place of Raheem Sterling, while Eric Dier returns after suspension.