Angry England fans throw cups at Gareth Southgate and boo after Slovenia draw

Gareth Southgate was targeted by empty plastic cups from angry England supporters after their dull goalless draw against Slovenia. The Three Lions rounded off their Euro 2024 group stage in underwhelming style with a 0-0 draw in their final match of Group C.

They move through to the round of 16 as group winners despite just two goals and one victory in three matches against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.

But despite avoiding the half of the draw that includes Germany, France, Spain and Portugal by topping the group, there were still frustrations from the England supporters inside the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.

That was because of another passive attacking performance. The display came despite Harry Kane and co. lashing back at critics who were unhappy with how they played against Denmark in Frankfurt last time out.

And after the Slovenia draw, a video circulating on social media showed some fans booing and throwing plastic cups in Southgate's direction as the manager walked around the pitch to applaud the travelling support.

The 53-year-old coach did not address the incident in his post-match interview with ITV in which he vowed that England are improving and will continue to improve as the tournament enters the knockout stage.

He did later speak about the cup-throwing incident when quizzed about it in his press conference. He said: "I'm not going to back away from it. The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.

"I understand the narrative towards me and that's better for the team than it being towards them. But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in.

"I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. 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.

"I'm in a really good place. I'm asking the players to be fearless so I won't back down from going over to thank the fans. I have been around England for 20 years and I've seen this before. It's a strange environment."

While England captain Harry Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live: "If you look at previous tournaments we have played our best football in the knockout rounds.

"Last Euros against Germany, Ukraine and Denmark, so for sure there is more to come. Always the objective is to get through the group without any mishaps. We can improve, we know that, but you have to enjoy these moments when you finish top.

"It is going to be difficult no matter who we play [in the round of 16]. Looking across the groups there have been some tough battles, there are no easy games now in these competitions.

"The important part of the tournament starts now, where it all counts and hopefully we can build some momentum."

England could potentially face the Netherlands in Gelsenkirchen. Their last 16 clash will take place on Saturday at 5pm.