DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY (AFP) – England manager Gareth Southgate said he had earned the right to celebrate his side’s progression to the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Saturday after receiving a barrage of criticism throughout the tournament for perceived negative tactics. The Three Lions needed penalties to get the better of Switzerland in Duesseldorf after the sides were level at 1-1 after 120 minutes. For the second time in two matches, England were headed for a meek exit when they fell behind to Breel Embolo’s goal on 75 minutes.
Bukayo Saka quickly equalised with his side’s first shot on target before England continued a turnaround in fortunes on penalties under Southgate. “Every now and then you think surely there has to be some enjoyment in this job. If I can’t enjoy that moment the whole thing is a waste of time,” Southgate said of his post-match dance in front of the England fans.
“I took this job to try and improve English football. I wanted us to regain credibility on the world stage, so I can’t deny when it (the criticism) is as personal as it has been the last few weeks, on a human level it’s been difficult. “We are not going to stop fighting, we are in another semi-final and we’ll see where we can get to.
” England have made the last four, where they will meet Turkey or the Netherlands, despite a series of sub-par performances from a side that had been hyped as one of the pre-tournament favourites. Southgate’s men have won just one of their fi.
