England hasn’t been greeted well by the fans since the beginning of the UEFA Euro 2024. Despite the team managing to reach the semifinals of the stage, criticism continues to take a toll on the previous editions’ finalists, especially on manager Gareth Southgate. However, the English boss has received surprise backing from Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman for creating a ‘resilient‘ atmosphere in the team.

The Deadpool and Wolverine actors were the guests in the latest exclusive interview on the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE. During the lengthy chat, the actor duo asked host Rio Ferdinand about his views on watching his beloved nation in the prestigious tournament. Interestingly, the Manchester United icon replied, “I think this England squad have got good experience. Three semi-finals now in four tournaments; they used to get into this stage and Gareth Southgate has played a huge part in creating that environment. We’ve got the best squad now left in the tournament.”

The ex-defender added, “I said before that we’ll win it, because of the mentality of these players and they’re resilient.” Remarkably, Jackman agreed to Ferdinand, insisting on how well has the players done to ignore the negative energy of the media and focus on having a ‘siege mentality’ instead. Additionally, Reynolds also agreed and remarked, “Sometimes that [criticism] galvanizes the group when they have that kind of pressure.”

Both Jackman and Reynolds were listening closely to Ferdinand and agreed that the former England international over the 53-year-old manager doing a brilliant job so far. If this claim isn’t enough to bring a smile to Southgate’s face, the actor’s Euro prediction might do the trick.

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds back Gareth Southgate to lead England for the Euro 2024 win

At the end of the program, when Rio asked the actors to predict the winner of the Euros, both agreed on the Three Lions with Jackman adding, “England are going to play in the final.” Interestingly, Ferdinand decided to end the show by giving his predictions as well. While acknowledging Spain as the ‘better football team,‘ he underlined France having the ‘grit and resilience’ to reach the final.

The ex-defender predicted that the final would be between England and France, with Southgate and Co. defeating Didier Deschamps’ side 2-0, a scoreline, which left both Reynolds and Jackman quite amazed. Be that as it may, it was quite unexpected support for Southgate from these Hollywood superstars. Let’s see if their predictions do come true. For now, they shall focus on defeating the Netherlands in the semi-finals first.