Ex Premier League star admits Gareth Southgate deserves ‘huge credit’, backs England to reach final

The Three Lions boss has taken England to three semi-finals in four major tournaments, though he is yet to win a trophy.

Despite trudging their way through these European Championships, Southgate’s men are just two wins away from lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy.

The manager has come under heavy criticism throughout the tournament, but former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage believes he deserves credit for guiding England to a third semi-final under his stewardship.

“Gareth Southgate has come under some criticism, but he continues to find a way,” said Savage.

“He always finds a way to win games in tournament football, whether that be in extra time or on penalties.

“He deserves huge credit for getting England to another semi-final and I think he’ll take them to the final.

“If they do get there then it’s a one-off game, and I think that gives them a real possibility of winning the Euros. It would be a remarkable achievement.”

When asked about the criticism Southgate has received for his lack of proactive substitutions, Savage suggested that the fact England are in the semi-finals proves that his decision-making has been correct.

“Southgate and his management team have clearly made the right decisions because they’re in the semi-finals,” he continued.

“Whether or not those decision have come when people wanted them to or later, whatever they’ve done so far has taken them to the semis. He knows what he’s doing and his changes have paid off.”