England manager Gareth Southgate has responded to having objects thrown at him by supporters after the Three Lions booked their place in the 2024 UEFA European Championship last 16.
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The under-pressure boss promised a strong showing against Slovenia ahead of their final Group C game on Tuesday night, but the team failed to deliver in yet another worrying performance.
A Harry Kane-led England played to a drab goalless draw at the RheinEnergieStadion, in a match that saw them end the first round top of their group despite claiming just a single victory.
Speaking after being targeted with plastic cups, reportedly thrown by Three Lions fans, Southgate admitted the reaction to his team's form is providing new challenges.
"I understand it," he said, according to The Independent.
"I'm not going to back away from it. The most important thing is that the supporters stay with the team.
"I understand the narrative towards me and that's better for the team if it [criticism] is towards me and not them, but it's creating an unusual environment for us to operate in.
"I've not seen similar [reaction] towards the other teams who have qualified. I'm proud with how the players are handling it."
England, criticised for appearing disjointed, have now advanced to the round of 16 and are, incredibly, the only team from Group C to have claimed a victory, with Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia all failing to win a single game.
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Southgate's side scored just twice in the first phase of the competition.
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