Gareth Southgate tells critics he must 'enjoy' England's penalty shootout triumph

England head coach Gareth Southgate admitted he has been hurt by some of the recent criticism he has faced, and so he will take the chance to indulge in the team's penalty shootout win against Switzerland.

The Three Lions are into the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating the Swiss on penalties in Dusseldorf on Saturday. The match finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Bukayo Saka cancelling out a late opener from Breel Embolo.

Though Southgate has led England to a third semi-final in their last four major tournaments - their best run in history - there has been widespread ire at his tactical decisions and the team's underwhelming performances so far this summer.

Speaking to BBC Sport post-match, Southgate claimed he and his players deserved the chance to celebrate advancing to the last four of Euro 2024.

"If I can't enjoy this moment then it's a waste of time," he said.

"Every now and then surely there has to be some enjoyment in this job. I love the players and sharing that moment with them.

"I can't deny when things get as personal as it has it does hurt. I don't think it is normal to have beer thrown at you. But we are in a third semi-final in four tournaments. We will keep grinding, keep fighting and keep enjoying this journey.

"I took this job to try and improve English football, to give us nights like this. We continue to give people fantastic memories.

"Now we want to deliver one more thing - we have never been to a final outside England, never won a Euros, so there are two bits of history we would love to create."

England will face the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Dortmund. The winner will play either Spain or France in next Sunday's final in Berlin.

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