England manager Gareth Southgate is confident that his team will handle the pressure of the Euro 2024 knockout stages despite their lackluster performance in the group games. The Three Lions will face Slovakia in the round of 16, with expectations heightened as they are perceived to be on the easier side of the tournament bracket.
England topped Group C despite uninspiring performances, narrowly defeating Serbia 1-0 and drawing with Denmark and Slovenia. Southgate’s squad has overcome disappointing group stage displays in the past, having reached the final of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
“Now you’re into that world of it has to happen on the day, you’ve got to go for it. We’ve been here before, many times, we know what it entails,” said Southgate at his pre-match press conference.
“The fact is you go into a different mental state. Everybody knows that knockout football is jeopardy.
“Everybody knows that on a given day an opponent can make it really tough for you. You know the quality of the opposition left is high, so it changes the mindset.
“It’s about how far can we go. We’re trying to achieve something exceptional, but it’s a step at a time and tomorrow is a chance to improve aspects of our game.”
Southgate’s future remains uncertain regardless of the outcome in Germany. Despite guiding England to a final, semi-final, and quarter-final in his three major tournaments in charge, the former Middlesbrough boss still faces criticism from some quarters.
Following a 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday, he was targeted with beer cups thrown from the stands by frustrated fans. Southgate, whose contract ends this year, will lead England for the 99th time against Slovakia. However, he downplayed the significance of his future and the potential milestone of managing England for a century of games, should they advance to a quarter-final against Switzerland.
“I’m just desperate to do well for my country. Lead this group of players and staff, who I absolutely love working with and think so much of,” added Southgate.
“Lead them through what could be another brilliant night and create some more memories for our supporters.”
Kane ‘enjoys’ the big stage
Harry Kane netted one of England’s two goals so far against Denmark, but that is the only time in his last three international tournaments that he has scored in the group stage.
By contrast, the England captain has six goals in his last six knockout games and is confident he will grow into the tournament again.
“Naturally you get physically stronger, naturally you get sharper as you play more games,” said Kane.
“A lot of the players come into their peak sharpness at the knockout stage and that’s what I’ve found in, especially, recent tournaments as well.
“Ultimately I enjoy these games. Knockout football is a different prospect to the group stage. We’ve done well in the past and now it’s time to do that again.”
England have a clean bill of health but Luke Shaw is not fit to start as he has not played a minute for club or country since February.
Kobbie Mainoo is expected to replace Conor Gallagher in midfield, while wingers Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer are in contention to start should Southgate shuffle his misfiring frontline.
