Richard Keys has called for Gareth Southgate to be sacked immediately (Getty/beIN Sports)
Former Sky Sports host Richard Keys says he would sack Gareth Southgate ahead of England’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie on Sunday.
England have finished top of Group C but laboured in their goalless draw against Slovenia on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions will will now play one of the best third-placed teams in the last 16, which could be any one of the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine or Belgium.
Southgate, meanwhile, was booed and had empty beer cups thrown in his direction as he approached England supporters after the draw with Slovenia.
When asked by Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit during beIN Sports’ coverage of the game if he would sack Southgate before their next match on Sunday, Keys replied: ‘I’m so depressed, I thought that was so miserable once again tonight.
‘I’m at a point whereby if I were able to make that decision, yes, I probably would because we are going nowhere double quick.
‘We’re here to win it, that, what I’ve seen tonight, that’s not winning the next game, let alone the tournament.’
Keys then went on to suggest former West Ham and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp as a potential short-term successor.
‘Harry Redknapp’s sat in Dubai tonight, give him a call,’ Keys said.
‘[Jurgen] Klopp won’t do it but Harry, you think he wouldn’t be on a plane tomorrow morning?’
WHO ENGLAND COULD PLAY IN THE LAST-16?
Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine or Belgium
England’s last-16 tie will take place in Gelsenkirchen at 5pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Southgate believes the reaction from a section of England fans after the stalemate against Slovenia has created ‘an unusual environment to operate in’.
‘I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them,’ Southgate said.
‘But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.
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‘I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it, but I’m very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.’
In a separate interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Southgate claimed the response from some England supporters is ‘causing an issue’ for the players.
‘I was not going to back away from going over to thank people for coming and giving the support that they did, but I know that this is causing an issue for the group,’ Southgate said.
‘I can deal with that but I need them to support the players.’
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