Gareth Southgate's England have been underwhelming so far at Euro 2024. So much so, fans turned against the boss after their final group game against Slovenia due to the boring nature of their performances.
Their displays have attracted heaps of criticism most notably from the likes of Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and of course, Gary Lineker who labelled The Three Lions' performance against Denmark as "s**t".
Albeit Southgate believes that some of the reaction has over exaggerated England's poor performance. He warned that his side must stick to their principles otherwise they risk coming unstuck.
"A team is never quite as poor as people might think, and not quite as good as people think. You are 5% off where you'd like to be so you have to be careful not to throw everything out of the window and lose continuity and confidence."
However, achieving such disapproval and interference from high profile names, including former England captains can start to negatively impact the harmony of the camp.
Conversations have emerged this week around whether Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham can work in the same eleven, should Anthony Gordon be starting on the left, and did Southgate make the wrong decision not taking another left-back?
The England boss was keen to point out that he and his side must ignore the outside noise and trust that his philosophy can take England to a successive European Championship final.
"You have to ignore external advice and be assured in what you are doing.
"Equally we have had players who have made a big impact from the bench in all games. We are mindful that people are pushing for places and we need that strength in depth. You might need five or six changes, it's important they are ready."
Slovakia will provide a difficult task for The Three Lions tomorrow, but should England be able to perform at the level the entire nation knows they are capable of The Falcons should be no match for Southgate's side.
Yet, the way England have performed at this tournament so far there's an anxiety amongst supporters that The Three Lions won't be able to navigate the challenge at hand.
The England manager made it clear that the group are elevated by their assignment admitting his side shouldn't be scared of losing.
"You have to get through that first phase and there are moments within that where if you keep pushing you can lose the game.
"That affects some actions in certain moments. Now we are in the world where it has to happen on the day, you have to go for it. We have been here before and we are excited about the challenge.
"We have to be right on our game with and without the ball. Some parts of our game we need to better, but I have seen lots of signs that it is starting to come. I am excited about the game tomorrow.
"We shouldn't have a fear of losing, it's about opportunity. We are trying to reach for something which is a challenge. We have lost matches before, life goes on. At that point when you can handle the worst you are free to try and go and win the game."
England's showings have been without conviction so far at the Championships, Southgate admitted his side must improve in the knockouts.
"We have to deliver it. We are in a different mental state. Knockout football is jeopardy and on any given day an opponent can make it tough for you. It's about how far we can go?
"We are trying to achieve something exceptional. Tomorrow is a chance to show composure, the game will take us in different directions at different moments. We have thrived on those challenges in the past."
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Whatever Will Be Will Be
Speculation has emerged that Gareth Southgate could be taking charge of his last tournament as England boss. The former Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa man has spent eight years as England boss - taking The Three Lions to the final of Euro 2024.
However, there's a growing disconnect between Southgate and the supporters which could be terminal if he doesn't win the tournament.
Southgate, albeit, has no interest discussing his future during the competition, instead urging the fans to continue their vocal backing of the team ahead of tomorrow's crucial last 16 tie with Slovakia.
"I'm not sure why we would think about it going wrong. We know it's a tough opponent and we have to play well against a well-coached team who run a lot, we have to give a very good version of ourselves to win the game.
"The most important thing is the support for the team. What I said the other night was to try and make sure the team gets the support they got in the second half.
"My job is to get the best possible environment for the players and to take the responsibility at times. The fans should never underestimate what a lift they give the team. I am certain going into the knockout phase they will be right behind the team."
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Shaw to return?
Manchester United's Luke Shaw hasn't featured since February 18th when he sustained a hamstring injury. Yet, he was the only named left-back Gareth Southgate included in his England squad.
Southgate confirmed that Shaw is nearing a return, but isn't quite ready to start.
"Luke Shaw is not available to start but everyone else is all good. We will have a chat with the medical staff to see whether he can play a part."
