When head coach Gareth Southgate name was read out over the stadium’s public address system as the Three Lions’ head coach took charge of England ahead of Sunday’s round of 16 match against Slovakia, England fans booed his name.
Southgate has come under fire from fans and pundits alike for a series of disappointing performances in Germany so far. England topped their group and advanced to the knockout stages, but a lackluster and underwhelming performance has led some fans to lose faith in their head coach ahead of Sunday’s match.
And at the Aufschalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen, some English fans at kick-off are said to have booed Southgate’s name as it was read out by the stadium announcer.
It’s a feeling that will be painfully familiar to Southgate. He walked towards the visiting supporters after England’s goalless draw with Slovenia in their final group game and was booed by unimpressed fans.
A group of fans also hurled beer cups at Southgate, who defiantly applauded the fans.
Southgate made one change to his starting XI for Sunday’s knockout match against Slovenia, bringing in teenager Koby Mainu in place of Conor Gallagher in midfield.
Mainu was a rare bright spot in a bland performance against Slovenia that left the Three Lions desperate for penetration and creativity.
Mainu’s inclusion in midfield marks England’s third midfield substitution so far in Germany. Gallagher replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in the previous match after the Liverpool star was relieved of experimental duties following an unconvincing performance.
Southgate’s tactics have been regularly questioned since the start of the tournament, and the coach has been accused of limiting the creativity of a squad packed with top-class players. At half-time against Slovenia, Gary Neville complained about how “easy” his team looked, adding that the nature of the performance was “sad” given the quality of the team.