Sunday, December 22, 2024

Southgate praises England ‘character’ after Switzerland win

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  • LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Why Southgate is talking ‘nonsense’ about England’s Euro 2024 draw 
  • England booked their place in Euro 2024 semi-finals after beating Switzerland 
  • Afterwards, Gareth Southgate was quick to praise the ‘character’ from his side 

Gareth Southgate begun healing his rift with supporters as England stormed into the Euro 2024 semi finals.

Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home the winning penalty as England recorded a 100 percent record in a tense shoot-out after Bukayo Saka scored a brilliant equaliser following’s Breel Embolo opener for Switzerland.

Southgate has been heavily criticised by fans here in Germany, with the England manager even having plastic beer cups thrown at him during the group stages.

But the England boss celebrated in front of his team’s supporters in euphoric scenes following their shoot-out win a said: ‘Every now and then you think surely there has to be some enjoyment in this job.

‘If I can’t enjoy that moment, then the whole thing is a waste of time. I took this job to help. I can’t deny when it’s as personal as it’s been in recent weeks…

Gareth Southgate celebrated with supporters after beating Switzerland on Saturday night
England triumphed 5-3 on penalties – after a 1-1 draw in extra-time – to reach the semi-finals

‘But we’re still fighting.

‘We showed unbelievable qualities of character and resilience. You have to find ways to win and dealing with everything around them.

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‘To twice come from behind and and to have that composure was impeccable.’

Southgate hailed his team’s courage after their brave come back.

‘We showed unbelievable qualities of character and resilience. You have to find ways to win and dealing with everything around them.

‘To twice come from behind and and to have that composure was impeccable.’

On the shoot-out, Southgate added: ‘We’ve got a good process. We’ve been in four and we’ve won three.

‘We got crucified for the one we lost. It’s outcome based. We’ve refined that process a bit. We have a calm process.

‘But the players have to do it. So many stories: Cole [Palmer] taking his first penalty, Bukayo with his history, Jude [Beliingham] you almost dismiss it, Ivan [Toney] and then Trent who easily could have thought his moment had gone. I’m so so proud of him.’

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