Gareth Southgate fumes at the 'entitlement' of the English as the Three Lions boss is quizzed on avoiding heavyweights on the other side of Euro 2024 draw

Gareth Southgate has slammed the ‘entitlement’ of the English after it was put to him that his side have a favourable route to the final.

England have avoided the heavyweights on the opposite side of the draw and, after Saturday’s quarter-final versus Switzerland, a potential tie against Holland or Turkey awaits in the last four.

But Southgate was furious when asked if he had told his players of the unique opportunity in front of them.

‘I would say that is a classic example of the sort of entitlement we have as nation, that creates drama and annoys our opponents,’ he said.

‘We’re playing a really strong football nation, who have played exceptionally well and have enormous pride. 

'Our focus is on our how do we win this game, and how do we play to the best of our ability.

‘We’ve never been to a final outside England. We’ve only had two finals in our history, three semi-finals. 

'So, lots of nations that we might perceive as English people to be smaller, they have had far better records than us in terms of winning things and getting to the latter stages of finals. It is half the problem we have.

‘We are ready for tomorrow and, as a team, we have huge respect for our opponents. We know we have to be at our very best to win the game.’

Meanwhile, Southgate has reacted to the decision by UEFA to fine Jude Bellingham €30,000 and hand him a suspended one-match ban for his crotch-grabbing celebration against Slovakia.

‘I thought it was a common-sense decision,’ said Southgate. ‘Clearly when you score a goal of the quality he did, at the moment he did, at the age he is, you are going to have an incredible rush of adrenaline. 

'There was no intent in the gesture towards anyone, other than communication he has with his family. We thought it was a sensible outcome.’