Following Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Italy, England manager Gareth Southgate now knows their potential opponents in Düsseldorf. However, they first need to overcome Slovakia on Sunday evening. In a recent press conference held in Gelsenkirchen, Southgate and star player Harry Kane addressed various topics including media criticism, Luke Shaw’s fitness status, and expectations from the upcoming match against Slovakia.
One of the key points raised during the press conference was about left-back Luke Shaw’s availability for the upcoming match. While confirming that Shaw wouldn't be available to start due to his fitness concerns, Southgate hinted at a possible role for him later in the game. He said that they would consult with their medical team before making any final decisions.
The inclusion of Shaw in England's squad has been a contentious issue since its announcement. Critics have questioned this decision throughout England’s Group C campaign.
Southgate asks for support from fans
Southgate faced tough questions from journalists regarding what defeat could mean for his team - The Three Lions. His response was straightforward and focused on positivity rather than dwelling on potential failure.
He retorted sharply when asked about contemplating defeat just before an important game saying "I’m not sure why we’d think about it going wrong the night before a game." He emphasized that giving their best performance is all that matters at this stage.
Gareth Southgate, England manager, said:
“The team needs the fans, they should never underestimate what a lift it gives to the team when they’re like they were in the second half against Slovenia.”
“A team is never quite as good as people might think, and never quite as poor as people might think, you’re probably about 5% off where you’d like to be, so you’ve got to be careful not to throw things out the window.”
Harry Kane talks about his form
Harry Kane has been phenomenal since moving to Bayern Munich setting Bundesliga ablaze with his performances. However, he hasn't managed to replicate similar success during EURO 2024 matches so far.
When asked about his form in front of goal during this tournament, he responded pragmatically stating he won’t complain if someone else scores as long as they get through anyway.
Both Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane seem to be focused on the task at hand, which is defeating Slovakia in their upcoming match. The potential return of Luke Shaw and the team's response to criticism will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping England's performance. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts, all eyes will be on this crucial game.
