England Still Smiling After Bleak Bulgarian Night

Last updated : 15 October 2019 By Three Lions

Gareth Southgate had nothing but praise for his England side following Monday evening's Euro 2020 victory, a 6-0 win in Bulgaria almost forgotten as the Three Lions dealt superbly with the racist abuse aimed at them in Sofia.

England's players were given the option of walking off the pitch following two stoppages but decided to see the game through and did so in style, demolishing a poor home side in style.

Although Southgate admitted that abandoning the game would have sent a strong message he felt that he an equally clear signal was given by the determination of his side to carry on.

"We gave the players what they wanted and the staff what that they wanted," said the England boss.

"Remarkably, after what we have been through, our players walked off smiling and that's the most important thing for me. Not one player wanted to stop, they were absolutely firm on that."

Overlooked in the storm was the immediate response to Friday's defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic although the timidity of the opposition played perfectly into the speed and power of the English attack.