Gabby Agbonlahor blasts Gareth Southgate after making Euros final – 'Let's have it right'
Gareth Southgate's emotional interview after England's win over the Netherlands didn't sit well with Gabby Agbonlahor who hit back at the Three Lions boss
Gabby Agbonlahor blasted Gareth Southgate for complaining about criticism levied at him after England made it to the final of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions manager was in celebration mode after his side clinched their place in the final of the Euros. Ollie Watkins was the hero as his 91st minute winner against the Netherlands sent the Three Lions through.
It is now back-to-back final appearances in the European Championships for England under Southgate's stewardship. Following the game, the 53-year-old emotionally admitted that not seeing the love from the nation throughout his reign has been a bitter pill to swallow.
"We all want to be loved, right?" Southgate said. "When you are doing something for your country and you are a proud Englishman, when all you read is criticism… it is hard".
READ MORE: Win a £100 Amazon gift card, an Adidas Euro 2024 ball and £25 at Just Eat in fab giveawayREAD MORE: Ollie Watkins: England star's remarkable rise from Weston-super-mare to 'a dream come true'Hosting talkSPORT on Thursday (July 11) alongside Alan Brazil, former England striker Agbonlahor wasn't a huge fan of Southgate's comments. Agbonlahor claimed the criticism Southgate has endured has been justified due to the poor performances his team has put in for much of the tournament.
"I'm not having that from Southgate, you've been criticised because the football has been woeful," Agbonlahor remarked. "Look at the teams we've played and we've struggled in, you look at the route to the final, Slovakia, Switzerland and Netherlands, games we should be winning.
"Let's be honest here, the players that we've got available, the players that have been left at home, so you're getting criticised which isn't nice but you're being paid £5million a year to coach the best talent, probably in a squad in the world."
The Aston Villa legend hasn't been overawed with England's accomplishments under Southgate, stating that appearances in the latter stages of major tournaments is what is expected of the current crop of players he has.
"What he's done with this group of players is what he should have done with this group of players," he added. "Let's have it right, let's not all be like 'you can't criticise him', we haven't won anything in 58 years. The French have, the Spanish have, the Germans have, the Portuguese have, we haven't so we deserve to criticise him."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.