‘We love him’: Luke Shaw baffled by criticism of Gareth Southgate – video

England defender Luke Shaw has said that he ‘doesn’t understand’ the criticism of manager Gareth Southgate. England secured their third semi-final in four tournament appearances under Southgate after beating Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-final, yet the manager has been accused of implementing negative and uninspiring tactics.

‘We love him,’ said Shaw before the Euro 2024 last-four showdown with the Netherlands on Wednesday. ‘I don’t understand the criticism. What he’s done for the country, he’s taken us to a new level. No other [England] manager has been as successful as him.’ The Manchester United left-back added that Southgate ‘showed a lot of faith and trust in picking me – for that I’ll always be thankful.’