England boss Gareth Southgate has cautioned against an “entitlement we have as a nation that creates drama and annoys our opponents” ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland (17:00 BST).
The Three Lions are two wins away from the final, having avoided favourites Spain and France, who are on the other side of the draw, meaning England cannot face them until the showpiece in Berlin on 14 July.
On the eve of the last-eight match with Switzerland, which will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app, BBC sports editor Dan Roan asked Southgate if England need to capitalize on being in the perceived easier side of the draw.
“We are playing a really strong football nation who have played exceptionally well, have enormous pride,” said Southgate, who takes charge of his 100th game as boss.
“I would say that is a classic example of the entitlement we have as a nation that creates drama and annoys our opponents.
“Our focus is on how do we win this game and how do we play to the best of our ability? We have never been to a final outside England, we have only had two finals in our history, three semi-finals.
“So lots of nations who we might perceive as English people to be smaller have far better records than us in terms of winning things, in getting to the latter stages in finals.
“It’s half of the problem we have. We’re ready for tomorrow and, as a team, we have huge respect for our opponents.”
‘We’re in a different place mentally’
England were moments away from elimination in the Euro 2024 last 16 when Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer against Slovakia.
Harry Kane then headed the winner in extra time, securing a quarter-final clash with Switzerland in Dusseldorf. The winner of this match will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 10 (20:00 BST).
Despite delivering four underwhelming performances so far, Southgate remains optimistic and expects an improved display against the Swiss.
“I feel that the team, even in training, now look in a different place mentally, they look more fluid,” he added.
“The longer the players are here, the more belief they have, the less they are being affected by what’s outside. They can see the opportunity.
“Every game can take you on a journey, like the game the other night. We have to deliver tomorrow, we have to be ready to go until the last minute again, dig deep in the moments that you have to.
“They are highly motivated guys and can see the possibility of a semi-final. There is a buzz about them and they are excited to take that challenge on.”
‘I’m not worried about job speculation’
With some fans expressing their frustration over the team’s performances in Germany, Gareth Southgate’s position has come under scrutiny.
In February, the Football Association expressed their desire for him to remain in charge beyond Euro 2024.
However, Southgate, who led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-final, the Euro 2020 final, and a World Cup quarter-final in 2022, has not yet signed a new contract. His current deal is set to expire in December.
Speculation surrounds his future after the tournament, regardless of whether England wins it or not.
“If you are in one of the most high-profile jobs in world football then there is always going to be speculation, always going to be assessment of what is going on,” said Southgate.
“I’m not worried. When I was a young manager you are worried if the first job doesn’t go well you will never get another job. You worry about failing and getting the sack.
“I’m older, I’m not worried about losing, what might go wrong. We have an opportunity tomorrow to get to another semi-final.
“It’s about going for it now.”