Gareth Southgate: Criticism and beer-throwing is 'fuel'

Defiant Gareth Southgate is using relentless ridicule, hurtful personal criticism and the beer cups thrown his way as fuel in his attempt to lead England to Euro 2024 glory.

Among the favourites to go all the way in Germany, the Euro 2020 runners-up are now just one victory away from becoming the first English men's team to reach a major final on foreign soil.

Saturday’s penalty shoot-out triumph over Switzerland secured a third semi-final in four tournaments under Southgate, who has dealt with intense scrutiny and criticism this summer.

Supporters made their anger known after Group C draws against Denmark and Slovenia, with beer cups even thrown at the manager after the latter stalemate.

Southgate kept his cool in such dark moments, helping to make Saturday’s 5-3 penalty shoot-out triumph after a tough 1-1 extra-time draw with the Swiss all the sweeter in Dusseldorf.

"Look, I took this job to try to improve English football, to try to give us nights like this," he told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked about his celebrations on the pitch.

"I can’t deny then when things get as personal as it has that does hurt. I don’t think it’s normal to have beer thrown at you.

"But we’re in a third semi-final in four tournaments, and I think we continue to give people fantastic memories. So we’ll keep grinding, we’ll keep fighting, and we’ll keep enjoying this journey."

Southgate knows better than most the highs and lows that come with representing England, having missed a key penalty in the Euro 96 semi-final shoot-out loss to Germany.

That was one of four tournaments he went to as a player, with this summer his fourth as manager, and Saturday’s match marked his 100th in charge of the national team.

Pushed on whether he was hardened to criticism by