Gareth Southgate says England 'can't make excuses for that level of performance' as manager refuses to blame the pitch after Denmark draw

Gareth Southgate refused to blame the pitch for England's underwhelming draw with Denmark.

On multiple occasions players slipped while Kyle Walker was forced to call for new boots as the turf at the Frankfurt Arena cut up badly from start to finish. 

But the England manager was adamant that other reasons were responsible for what was a seriously disappointing outing. 

'We can't be making any excuses for the level of performance,' Southgate said. 'We have to accept responsibility.' 

With the roof closed and thunderstorms forecast, the pitch was watered pre-kick-off. 

And that move appeared to backfire, with those watching in the stadium and on television quick to criticise. 'It's cutting up all over,' said BBC pundit Alan Shearer.

Southgate added that England were aware that there may be issues. 'We noticed this pitch did cut up the other day,' he said. 

'What I would say is that I've been a defender and when you play on a pitch like that it puts you on edge. 

'You're not quite sure of your footing and one slip could cost the team - but as I said we have got to look beyond that for the reasons for our performance.'

UEFA on Thursday night said they were waiting to hear from their pitch specialists.