UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has slammed criticism aimed at Gareth Southgate as ‘shameful’ and has demanded an apology from members of the British media. The England manager has led the Three Lions into the Euro 2024 final despite some strong backlash during the tournament, including from former players.
BBC presenter Gary Lineker described England’s performance in their goalless draw with Slovenia in the group stages as “S***” and questioned Southgate’s tactical acumen. Southgate’s side failed to click in their first few games but produced their best display in the semi-final victory over the Netherlands.
Southgate’s tactics and in-game management have split opinion among fans and pundits. However, UEFA chief Ceferin insists that the criticism of the 53-year-old has been ‘shameful’.
“He was ridiculed and he was insulted. I would hope that some in the media would apologise — though I don’t expect it.”
Southgate was visibly emotional after England defeated the Netherlands on Wednesday. He has led the Three Lions to successive European Championship finals, and a first major tournament showdown on foreign soil.
“We all want to be loved, right?” Southgate said of the criticism that has been aimed in his direction. “When you’re doing something for your country and you’re a proud Englishman, when you don’t feel that back and when all you read is criticism, it’s hard.
“So to be able to celebrate the second final (after Euro 2020) is very, very special.”
Southgate also praised the travelling England fans, adding: “If I hadn’t been on the grass, I’d have been watching, celebrating like they were. We are kindred spirits in many ways but of course, I’m the one who has to pick a team. So to be able to give them a night like tonight, it’s very special.”
Meanwhile, the Football Association are said to be keen for Southgate to remain as England manager regardless of Sunday’s result. The Three Lions face a strong Spain side in Berlin and simply reaching the final has been viewed as a success.
The 2026 World Cup in the USA will see Southgate approach a decade in charge of the country’s senior team. He replaced Sam Allardyce, initially on a temporary basis, in late 2016.