England boss Gareth Southgate has admitted he is using the intense criticism he has faced as motivation.
The Three Lions booked their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 with a penalty shootout win against Switzerland over the weekend.
Despite reaching the last four, England have yet to put in a strong performance from start to finish in a game so far this tournament and there has been extra scrutiny placed on Southgate, whose contract expires later this year.
After a bore 0-0 draw with Slovenia in their final group stage match, England supporters launched beer cups towards Southgate in anger.
Speaking after Saturday’s triumph against Switzerland, Southgate opened up on the treatment he has received and how he is using it as ‘fuel’ to be better.
“Look, I can’t deny that some of the personal nature [has been difficult],” he said. “This is a job where you get ridiculed and your professional capability is questioned beyond belief. And I don’t think it’s normal to have beer thrown at you either.
“But, I’m fortunate that my life’s taken me through a lot of resilience-building and it’s made me more determined and I’m just using it as fuel.
“I know where I want to take the team to and the team need to see me strong in those moments as well, otherwise that messaging that you’re giving them on what they need to be, it doesn’t ring true.”
England return to action on Wednesday when they face the Netherlands, who have also been criticised for subpar and underwhelming performances, in the semi-finals. The winner will face either Spain or France in the final, with La Roja and Les Bleus due to battle on Tuesday.
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