England players have been using their critics to fuel a siege mentality ahead of their quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday.
The Three Lions were underwhelming in their three Group C matches against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia but managed to top the group with five points and progress to the last 16.
Ivan Schranz s goal for Slovakia had looked like knocking out in their last-16 clash on Sunday but a spectacular overhead kick from Jude Bellingham took the match to extra time, with Harry Kane .
Despite the dramatic win, there was no hiding that it was another poor performance from Southgate s side, with as they head into the quarter-finals.
the players have become consumed by the criticism with even player rating columns under increased scrutiny .
England players are using the hostility towards their Euro 2024 performances to fuel a siege mentality inside the camp.
Some players have become so consumed with the way they are judged by critics and fans that proving their detractors wrong is now a source of motivation.
They have become so fascinated by how they are being received that even traditional player ratings by media outlets, which mark individuals from one to 10, are under increased scrutiny.
Similarly, head coach Gareth Southgate spoke to players ahead of Sunday s 2-1 win over Slovakia about the way their opposition had said their team spirit was superior to England s.
Goalscorer Bellingham hit out at the rubbish coming out of England from fans and the media during Euro 2o24 after their victory over Slovakia on Sunday.
Bellingham said: It s a feeling that is like no other. In international football, in knockout football, it s even a worse feeling, because you re 30 seconds from going home, having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you have let a nation of people down.
In one kick of the ball, everything can change. It s a feeling I don t like to have but when it s done, it feels great.
It s a habit I ve picked up from Madrid. Obviously my game has improved a lot since I ve joined and I m grateful I could bring it to this game.
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When asked what he meant by rubbish , Bellingham added: You know what I mean by the rubbish…
