But we’ve got to manage the year as a whole, and we’ll start the tournament in good shape. We’ve got to keep calm, and we’ve got to keep improving. We’ve got to keep learning, and we’ve got to keep getting better. That’s what we’ll do, and I’m confident we’ll be ready for the Euros.
Despite the defeat, Southgate remains optimistic about England’s chances at Euro 2024, believing his side has the talent and determination to compete at the highest level.
We’ve got a fantastic group of players with a fantastic attitude, he said. We’ve got a great mix of experience and youth, and we’ve got players who can change a game in an instant. We’re confident in our abilities, and we’ll be ready to give it our all at the Euros.
England’s first game of the tournament will be against Serbia on June 16, with Southgate hoping his side can bounce back from their defeat to Iceland and start their campaign on a positive note.
But the manner of this defeat, against a team like Iceland, will raise eyebrows and questions about England’s ability to perform when it really matters.
Southgate has work to do in the coming days to address the issues highlighted in this game and ensure his team is ready for the challenges ahead in the Euros.