Gary Neville urges England stars not to ‘go down a rabbit hole’ thinking they’re alone in facing criticism – while Ange Postecoglou says he ‘feels’ for Gareth Southgate after plastic cups were thrown at him following Slovenia draw

Gary Neville has defended criticism of England players and urged stars to resist ‘going down a rabbit hole’ believing they are the only team facing backlash. 

Gareth Southgate’s side produced another tepid display at the Cologne Stadium on Tuesday night, and for much of the game failed to improve on the showing against Denmark that drew heavy criticism. 

Despite this, the Three Lions were still able to clinch top spot in Group C after the Danes and Serbia played out a 0-0 stalemate in the other game.

Dissent from fans and pundits has surfaced in the day that has followed but England are not alone in their position as pre-tournament favourite-turned-Euros-disappointment. 

France, the Netherlands and Belgium have all faced criticism after lacklustre group stages performances and Neville reckons that England stars should be cautious not to start thinking they are the only ones receiving harsh words. 

The former Manchester United defender urged players not to go down a rabbit hole and believe they are the only team facing criticism

The Three Lions topped their group following another uninspiring display in Germany on Tuesday

‘Gareth and the players have handled the media extremely well over the last three tournaments,’ Neville said on ITV. ‘What they mustn’t do is go down a rabbit hole and think they’re the only ones getting criticised if they don’t play well.

‘Referring back to times gone by, this is football criticism that we’re seeing. We’re talking about tactics, positions, who should come in at midfield alongside Declan Rice. They are genuine conversations because there’s a genuine disappointment so far this tournament.

‘Previously it’s been very personal, an annihilation of individuals, I’m not seeing that so don’t go down a rabbit hole thinking it’s really unfair.’

After the final whistle on Tuesday, boos rang out among England supporters after the while head coach Southgate had three plastic pint cups thrown at him as he acknowledged the travelling fans.

Further doubts over the team’s hopes of winning a tournament have emerged while uncertainty over Southgate’s position as head coach post-Euros will increase following the supporters’ reaction after another abysmal display in Germany.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who is part of ITV’s punditry team for the tournament, sympathised with the England manager’s plight and stressed the need for focus on football in the matches ahead. 

‘I feel for him in this position.’ The Australian said. ‘When it’s your own national team it does mean more. When you take that job it’s more than just a coaching job and you have a lot of pride.

‘The cups thrown at him, I know that would hurt him, especially because he’s had an unbelievable tenure, and he could still have the most unbelievable tenure of any England manager by the end of it. Aside from Sir Alf obviously.

Belgium fans voiced their displeasure after their side failed to win two of their games and finished second, setting up a meeting with France in the last 16

Gareth Southgate was booed by England and had plastic cups thrown at his form the stands

‘But at the same time, the focus still needs to be around the football, that’s still where the decisions lie.

‘We’re up here talking about team selection, the mindset they go into games but I still think that’s the key for England.

‘All that external noise has always and will always be there.’

England will discover their last 16 opponents on Wednesday night. The tie will take place in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday evening.