Gareth Southgate responds to Erik ten Hag criticism over his tactics at Euro 2024

England manager Gareth Southgate has reacted to the criticism from Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag over his tactical approach at the ongoing Euro 2024.

Southgate’s England began their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Serbia. However, some fans including Erik ten Hag were skeptical of England’s performance.

Ten Hag, speaking on Dutch TV suggested that Southgate tends to secure a lead and then sit back, relying on “moments” rather than seeking to dominate the game.

Reacting to this statement ahead of England’s second group stage match against Denmark, Southgate noted that there will always be different opinions from fans and pundits.

Southgate responded: “During the course of a tournament there’s obviously millions of opinions in different directions and so whilst I’m not reading a thing, or listening to a thing, you become aware of these things because they get sent to you.”

He added: “There was a moment where we weren’t in as much control of the game on Sunday as we would’ve liked, and we felt that was a good moment for Conor Gallagher to come into the game. He did the job.

The England boss also praised the contributions of Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, and Jarrod Bowen when they came on, noting that Bowen nearly made it 2-0 with a cross. Southgate concluded: “I accept everyone’s going to have different views and I’m really calm about that.”

Southgate will be hoping his team will come to party when they face a more disciplined side in Denmark.