Germany boss Hansi Flick defends under-pressure Gareth Southgate ahead of England showdown

Germany boss Hansi Flick has played down England’s recent struggles and defended Gareth Southgate, while he expects a very tough game at Wembley on Monday night.

Southgate, who took the Three Lions to the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, received boos from travelling supporters at the San Siro on Friday night after losing 1-0 against Italy.

That defeat relegated England from their UEFA Nations League group and compounded a miserable run of performances dating back to the summer which has seen them fail to score from open play in their last five matches.

But England are not alone in their struggles, with France only winning one of their Nations League matches and Spain surprisingly losing to Switzerland without posting a shot on target in the first half.

Germany, likewise, were stunned by Hungary on Friday night and Flick has suggested the current football calendar has played its part in big teams underperforming, while he is in no doubt that Southgate is the right man to lead England at the World Cup.

Asked about his counterpart’s struggles, Flick said on Sunday: ‘The Premier League is the best league in the world and the England squad is excellent too.

‘Especially in the summer, after a long season, there was a phase when the team just wasn’t fresh anymore.

‘If things don’t go well, coaches are quickly criticised. Despite this, Gareth Southgate is one of the most successful coaches in England’s history and they have a great team. We need a top performance [on Monday night] to survive.’

On England’s quality and World Cup hopes, Flick added: ‘They are one of the best teams in the world. For me they are definitely one of the best teams.’

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