Richard Keys, a former Sky Sports host, declared he would fire Gareth Southgate prior to England’s Sunday Euro 2024 last-16 match.
Although they were victorious in Group C, England struggled in their goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday.
The Three Lions’ next opponent might be any of the top three teams from the previous 16—the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, or Belgium.
As Southgate approached England supporters following the draw with Slovenia, he was met with jeers and empty beer glasses hurled in his direction.
During beIN Sports’ game broadcast, Keys was questioned by Netherlands veteran Ruud Gullit if he would fire Southgate before their next game on Sunday. To which Keys said, “I’m so depressed, I thought that was so miserable once again tonight.”
We are at a place where, given the chance, I would definitely make that choice since we are not going anywhere very quickly.
“What I’ve seen tonight doesn’t even equate to winning the next game, let alone the tournament; we’re here to win it.”
Would you sack Gareth Southgate asks @GullitR?@Richardajkeys answer:#EURo2024 | #beINEURO | #HomeofEuro pic.twitter.com/TiLInATjzQ
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 25, 2024
Keys continued by suggesting Harry Redknapp, the former manager of Tottenham and West Ham, as a possible short-term replacement.
Keys added, “Harry Redknapp’s sat in Dubai tonight, give him a call.”
“Harry, do you think he wouldn’t be on a plane tomorrow morning? [Jurgen] Klopp won’t do it.”
WHO ENGLAND COULD PLAY IN THE LAST-16?
Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine or Belgium
England’s last-16 tie will take place in Gelsenkirchen at 5pm on Sunday.
Southgate, however, thinks that there is now “an unusual environment to operate in” as a result of certain England supporters’ response to the draw against Slovenia.
Southgate stated, “I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them.”
However, it’s making the setting in which we work atypical. I haven’t seen any other team qualify and get something like.
“I understand it and I won’t back down from it, but I’m really proud of the players for how they’re handling it.”
In a different interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Southgate stated that the players are “causing an issue” because of the reaction of certain England supporters.
“I know that this is causing an issue for the group, but I was not going to back away from going over to thank people for coming and giving the support that they did,” Southgate said
‘I can deal with that but I need them to support the players.’