Gareth Southgate is proud of the improvement from England after topping EURO 2024 group

Izuchukwu Akawor 11:58 - 26 June 2024

Gareth Southgate is happy with what he has seen from his England players so far at the EURO 2024.

England manager Gareth Southgate has assessed the performance of his Three Lions despite the negative reactions that have greeted the barren draw against Slovenia at the EURO 2024.

England manager Gareth Southgate has heaped praise on his 'brilliant' players, despite the Three Lions' underwhelming goalless draw against Slovenia on Monday night.

Southgate's men finished top of their EURO 2024 group, but the barren stalemate has led to a furious backlash from fans and pundits.

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Southgate Assesses England at EURO 2024

The England boss was quick to defend his 'applied' and 'proud' players, however, insisting they have navigated a 'hard work' and 'strange environment' in the group stage.

“The boys have applied themselves brilliantly and I am proud of them,” Southgate declared after the game via UEFA.com.

Gareth Southgate with his England players after the game against Slovenia. (Photo Credit: UEFA)

While admitting England 'couldn't find that moment to decide the game', the manager was keen to accentuate the positives from the Slovenia clash.

“We were pretty much in control of the game, over 70% of the ball, particularly in the second half the first were sustaining - wave after wave of attack,” Southgate said.

Gareth Southgate speaking to the media moments after the game against Slovenia. (Photo Credit: UEFA)

“We did create a couple of very good chances, we just didn't take them on the night.”

The former Middlesbrough boss also highlighted his side's defensive resilience and the impact of their substitutions as reasons for optimism.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer finally got his chance at the EURO 2024. (Photo Credit: UEFA)

“Well clearly, we've defended extremely well, which is giving us a foundation to build from. Tonight, we were better with the ball. The impact of our substitutions as well was very positive,” he added.

Despite the underwhelming result, Southgate was keen to emphasise the difficulties his team have faced in the group stage.

But the England manager believes his 'brilliant' players have navigated those challenges with aplomb, leaving him 'proud' of their efforts so far at EURO 2024.

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