Gareth Southgate’s England squad has been heavily criticized by European media following their goalless draw with Slovenia, despite topping Group C and advancing to the knockout stages.
England managed just two goals in the group stage, securing one win and two draws. Critics at home have labeled the team as “basic” and “tired,” and European outlets have joined in the mockery.
German newspaper Bild harshly described Southgate’s team as “kittens” rather than lions, with Erik Peters remarking, “These lions are kittens!” The publication rated seven England players a lowly five out of six, with six being the worst score. Declan Rice earned the highest rating of three, while Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka were criticized for their lack of impact, calling the overall performance “frightening.”
French outlet L’Equipe featured captain Harry Kane in an article on the tournament’s “top-flops,” lamenting England’s “embarrassing” performances. Italian publication La Repubblica mocked “Little England,” singling out Jude Bellingham for his “listless” showing. Spanish publication Marca questioned Southgate’s strategy, asking, “You start to wonder what his plan actually is.”
German pundit Christoph Kramer, speaking on broadcaster ZDF, criticized Southgate’s lack of a clear plan, observing, “You can tell by his facial expressions and his gestures. Southgate can’t possibly have a plan in his head! He simply sends the eleven into the race. It does not matter who plays the game.”
Adding to the ridicule, Serbian manager Dragan Stojkovic took a jab at England after his team’s exit following a draw with Denmark, saying, “Everyone thought England might be some miracle from another planet but they were nothing like that. The expectations were just different.”
Despite advancing as group winners, it seems much of Europe is eager to face this struggling England side, who will learn their next opponents tonight.
Credit: Joe
