Gareth Southgate played down being booed by England’s travelling support following the 1-0 defeat to Italy, and suggested he is ready to shoulder the blame and protect his players from criticism as their dismal run continued.
England made it five competitive matches without a win for the first time since 1992 and were relegated from their Nations League group after Giacomo Raspadori’s fine second-half goal at the San Siro.
Southgate was booed by large sections of England’s travelling fans as the as he applauded the away end after the final whistle.
“I understand the reaction at the end because that’s the results we’ve had in this competition,” the England manager said afterwards. “It’s an understandable emotional reaction.”
