Darts star Luke Littler brands Gareth Southgate as a 'clown' over England's defensive approach against Spain… as he claims the Three Lions 'sat back' after Cole Palmer's equaliser in Euro 2024 final

Darts star Luke Littler has branded Gareth Southgate as a 'clown' following England's Euro 2024 final defeat. 

The Three Lions fell short of European Championship glory after Spain's second-half substitute Mikel Oyarzabal netted an 86th-minute winner to hand England a devastating 2-1 defeat in Berlin. 

Cole Palmer inspired hope in the 73rd minute by cancelling out Nico Williams' opening goal with a superb strike from outside the box, but it did not prove enough to force extra time.

Several questions have been raised over Southgate's future as England boss, with BBC host and pundit Gary Lineker calling for the FA to move on from the manager after the tournament.

Luke Littler, who reached the PDC World Darts Championship final aged 16 in January before losing to Luke Humphries, slammed the 53-year-old for England's defensive approach after Palmer's equaliser. 

He posted on Instagram: 'Well done Gareth, score a goal and we sit back on the penalty spot, once again we get punished for it,' alongside a clown emoji. 

Southgate's future as England boss remains in doubt after eight years in charge, with his current deal set to expire in December.  

He will hold talks with his FA superiors in the coming days following Sunday night’s crushing defeat. 

The expectation is for Southgate to leave his role following eight years in charge, however the governing body want him to stay and are prepared to offer him a minimum two year extension.

Nevertheless, a succession plan is in place which will be actioned should Southgate call it a day.

The FA want to conduct a full and proper process before deciding on their No 1 candidate, but Mail Sport can reveal that the likes of Howe, Potter and Pochettino have admirers behind the scenes.

A dejected Southgate conceded that Spain were the best team in the tournament but he refused to confirm whether he'll stay on as the Three Lions boss after Sunday's loss.

'I think they were the best team in the tournament,' he told the BBC. 'We didn’t keep the ball well enough but we were in it until the last. I am devastated for everyone, players have been incredible, I am so proud.

'We had a little bit of momentum. Big chance at the end to equalise as well but I’m not sure we did quite enough.

'Against Spain you have to keep the ball when you win it back. We were fine defensively in the first half but that takes it out your legs.

'There's no hiding from we have had a lot of issues. We have managed to deal with most of them but we have fallen short.'