Euro 2024 touchlines: Southgate reacts to England critics, Ronaldo on Portugal’s exit

England boss Southgate hits out at critics

Ahead of their massive semi-final against the Dutch on Wednesday night, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has said the criticism that’s come his way has only fuelled his desire to succeed and lead his side to a first European title.

The England boss has come in for huge criticism in Germany this summer following a series of below-par displays, despite his side progressing to the last four after overcoming the Swiss on penalties last Saturday.

In the group stage, plastic beer cups were thrown in his direction following their scoreless draw against Slovenia and having also received criticism from high-profile figures like Gary Linekar, Southgate opened up on how he has dealt with the noise lately.

“I can’t deny that some of the personal nature, you know….This is a job where you get ridiculed, and your professional capability is questioned beyond belief, and I don’t think it’s normal to have beer thrown at you either,” said Southgate ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final in Dortmund.

“But I’m fortunate that my life’s taken me through a lot of resilience-building and it’s made me more determined and I’m just using it as fuel. I know where I want to take the team to.

“The team need to see me strong in those moments as well, otherwise that messaging that you’re giving them on what they need to be, it doesn’t ring true.

“These guys, they’ve shown more than being able to just play. Navigating tournaments, you need lots of other qualities. It is that resilience, it is that ability to stay composed when you go behind in games, or when momentum’s against you? We have won three penalty shootouts out of four. All those little bits build character, build belief.”

Ronaldo reacts to Portugal’s dramatic quarter-final exit

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media following Portugal’s penalty shoot-out defeat to France on Friday.

For the first major tournament of his career, the 39-year-old failed to find the net as Roberto Martinez’s side exited in the last eight, fuelling speculation that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star would call time on his international career.

While his immediate plans on that front remain unclear, the forward has thanked fans on social media for their support this summer in Germany.

“We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal,” said Ronaldo.

“We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.”

Meanwhile, ahead of France’s semi-final clash against Spain tomorrow night, L’Equipe are reporting that Antoine Griezmann is facing the from the starting 11 after failing to contribute a goal or assist in any of their five games in Germany so far. PSG’s Ousmane Dembele is set to come in for Griezmann.

Video of the day

Shane Brennan caught up with Daniel McDonnell in Germany after a Euros quarter-final stage that saw England win on penalties, Spain do the spectacular over the hosts, France progress and the Dutch strike back to earn last-four spots.

England's individual moments make up for lacklustre team performance | Today at the Euros

Where can I read the latest?

Daniel McDonnell is on the ground in Germany for the Irish Independent this summer and his piece on how Switzerland’s mental block helped England into an old-school final four is here.

Bukayo Saka moves past England heartbreak to become heartbeat of Euro 2024 team, writes Miguel Delaney.

Ex England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also penned a piece on Gareth Southgate’s men, who he says are defying football logic ahead of their semi-final date.

And after the French election results over the weekend, find out why France’s Euro 2024 stars are singing a different tune to the right-wingers.

Quote of the day

“These guys look at each other and they find strength, and he has created that with his backroom staff. He has to take big credit for that. Now this team are used to going deep into tournament football," – Ex-England defender Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on Gareth Southgate after their quarter-final triumph.

Number of the day - 100

Saturday’s quarter-final win over Switzerland was Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in charge of England having taken charge in 2016. In total, he has won 63 games, lost 17 and drawn 20.

Fact of the day

Spain are the only nation to have successfully defended their European Championship title, having gone all the way in both 2008 and 2012, while they also lifted the 2010 World Cup in between that back-to-back triumph.

Tweet of the day

When are the games?

SEMI-FINALS

Tuesday July 9

Spain v France, 8.0, Munich, RTÉ2

Wednesday July 10

Netherlands v England, 8.0, Dortmund, RTÉ2

FINAL

Sunday, July 14, 8.0, Berlin, RTÉ2