England continues to become a lightning rod for criticism following last night’s stalemate against Slovenia. Gareth Southgate and Co. once again failed to exhibit their dominance in the final group stage match as the criticism continues to outpour. Although the Three Lions boss pointed to the challenging environment created by the fans as a factor behind the lackluster performance, it is the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kyle Walker, and Harry Kane who have been questioned for not taking risks.

Southgate may have proved the ‘obsession‘ point of critics last night, as nothing worked out in the favor of the Watford-born tactician. This is something that enrages French icon Frank LeBoeuf. Speaking to ESPN, he said, “He’s [Gareth] becoming very stubborn right now, and when you see that once it doesn’t work, twice it doesn’t, maybe thrice, you will have to change something and he didn’t.”

LeBoeuf pointed out that there was no connection or chemistry whatsoever between the England players. The whole starting XI isn’t trying to find the rhythm and pace of the game, which was one of the reasons they failed to surprise Solvenia. “Nobody takes any risks and wants to take the leadership, that’s unbelievable. When you see Bellingham, Rice, and Kane, they are leaders. They should be there—Walker, come on! Stones,” the pundit added.

LeBoeuf insisted that many other players are expected to emerge as leaders on the pitch, yet they fail to showcase their intuition. Despite being backed as favorites earlier, he claimed that England is doing the opposite, making everyone question their ability to perform in the knockout stages.

Of course, there’s no denying that the problem lies within the team. But Southgate is rather focused on how it majorly started due to the fans themselves.

Despite backlash over performance Gareth Southgate questions England fans for producing an ‘unusual environment’

Gareth Southgate was met with anger from England fans after he went to applaud his section of fans in the Cologne Stadium. While he apprehended the backlash towards him, it wasn’t the criticism against his own players that he could tolerate. “The most important thing here is the supporters stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me. That’s better for the team than it being towards them. But it’s creating an unusual environment to operate in,” he said.

Furthermore, he described last night’s atmosphere as “strange” and “difficult,” questioning that other nations that qualified haven’t received such treatment. Notably, beer cups were thrown at the 53-year-old as the boos were enough to suggest that fans want the England FA to be done with the manager. Be that as it may, clearly, Southgate remains adamant about his side’s performance. It remains to be seen how his side manages to perform in the knockout stages.