Criticized For England Yet To Win In UEFA Nations League, Southgate: We Will Always Be Judged

Gareth Southgate (Instagram @england)

JAKARTA - England national team coach Gareth Southgate insists he will not be swayed by the storm of criticism caused by their unbeaten performance in the UEFA Nations League Division A Group 3.

He also ensured that his decision-making would not be influenced by the reaction that emerged from the performance of England, who so far lost 0-1 to Hungary and only drew 1-1 against Germany.

"I know what I want from these games. I also accept the fact that the England national team will always be judged and burdened with having to win every game", Southgate told reporters.

"But I have to think a little differently from that and accept the criticism. I have to make the right decisions for the players, for this team."

England is faced with a busy schedule to host Italy on Saturday, June 11, and Hungary three days later, Southgate is practically required to mix the right rotation in his squad as do other countries.

"You see, of course, in all the European games, France made 10 substitutions, Spain eight, Portugal seven", he said.

"This is a unique series of matches because the team has to think about the condition of the players, their physical fitness, but also continue to prepare for the World Cup".

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was allowed to leave England camp early as Southgate had planned, while he hopes Phil Foden recovers in time from COVID-19 to play against Italy.