Fans love what Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger was doing live on BBC during Gareth Southgate’s interview after Euros final
FOOTIE fans absolutely loved what Arsene Wenger did as Gareth Southgate licked his wounds after England’s Euro 2024 heartache.
The Three Lions lost their second successive Euros final on Sunday night in Berlin, losing 2-1 to four-time tournament winners Spain.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute strike broke English hearts and prolonged the nation’s 58-year-long wait for silverware.
A crestfallen Southgate didn’t hide away from the cameras, immediately giving a post-match interview.
But former Arsenal manager Wenger stole the show as Southgate gave an honest and frank assessment of his team’s latest shortcomings.
The Frenchman was spotted taking selfies with fans as Southgate poured his heart out.
Wenger’s inadvertent interview bombing went viral and quickly became the talk of X.
One footie fan wrote: “Arsene Wenger taking a few selfies while Southgate gets interviewed lol.”
Another jokingly claimed Wenger’s hilarious appearance in Southgate’s interview is confirmation he’ll replace him as England gaffer.
They wrote: “Wenger confirmed.”
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England ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreak
COLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.
And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:
Jordan Pickford: 8
Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.
Kyle Walker: 6
Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener.
John Stones: 8
A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.
Marc Guehi: 6
Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.
Declan Rice: 7
Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5
Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller.
Luke Shaw: 7
Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.
Phil Foden: 6
Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.
Jude Bellingham: 7
Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.
Harry Kane: 4
His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.
SUBS:
Ollie Watkins: 6
Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.
Cole Palmer: 9
What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.
Ivan Toney: 6
Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.
Gareth Southgate: 7
The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.
His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.
Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.
Southgate’s future as Three Lions boss was in major doubt before a ball had even been kicked in Germany
And the 53-year-old hinted he could walk away from the job moments after Spain lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy by referring to his troops as “they”.
He said: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now. The age of the squad.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.
“There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”
When pressed further on his future, Southgate, whose contract expires in December, added: “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that.
“I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”
Should Southgate depart, there are numerous names in the frame to become the next England manager with three former Chelsea bosses among them.