John Terry aims brutal dig at former England players who’ve criticised Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024

Southgate has faced criticism for his conservative tactics at the Euros.

Former England captain John Terry has leapt to the defence of Gareth Southgate following criticism of the manager at Euro 2024.

England are through to their third major tournament semi-final under Southgate after narrowly beating Switzerland in their Euros quarter-final on Saturday.

They will now face the Netherlands in the last four on Wednesday, with the winner taking on either Spain or France in the final on Sunday.

England narrowly beat Switzerland on penalties after their match had ended 1-1 following extra-time.

It was the second game in a row Southgate’s side played 120 minutes, having also needed extra-time to beat Slovakia in the round of 16.

Southgate has faced criticism for his conservative approach at the tournament, with former England striker Gary Lineker labelling him ‘tactically inept’ after the group stage draw with Denmark.

Rio Ferdinand claimed England were ‘overshadowed’ in that match, while Alan Shearer branded the ‘rotten’ win over Slovakia as ‘so bad, it was untrue’.

However, former Chelsea captain Terry, who made 78 appearances for the national side, has defended Southgate from criticism – while also calling out former players and pundits.

On an Instagram live video, Terry said: “Funny how all of these ex-players and pundits think England are good again all of a sudden.

“I couldn’t give a s*** how we play as long as we win. Those ex-players and pundits never got past a quarter-final by the way.

“Lot of people saying [Cole] Palmer should start – again I think he’s done enough, what a season he’s had. Who comes out? Hard to be England manager.

John Terry has defended Gareth Southgate (Image: Getty)

“I am all about getting out the group me, no matter how you do it, get out the group.

“Look at Argentina in the World Cup, lose their first game and go on to win it. Greece 2004, very average team go on and win it.

“Tough couple of games [coming up] though, Holland in the semis and then France or Spain in the final.

“I think we’d all agree if we get to the final we need to be better but in a one-off game I actually fancy us against anybody, I think this group are special.

“I think the mental state Gareth has got them in and has done over the last four or six years is superb.”

Southgate will be hoping he proves his doubters wrong once again when England take on the Dutch at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday.