Some fans have jestingly proposed that former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, engage in a bout with England manager Gareth Southgate in light of the Three Lions’ lackluster showings at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament held in Germany.
Critics have heavily scrutinized Southgate’s team despite their advancement to the quarter-finals, where they are scheduled to square off against Switzerland on Saturday.
England was teetering on the brink of a humiliating elimination from the continental competition when Ivan Schranz scored his third goal of the tournament to put Slovakia in the lead during their round-of-16 encounter.
Nonetheless, a spectacular overhead kick goal by Jude Bellingham in the dying moments of the match sent it into extra time, ultimately culminating in Harry Kane’s close-range header to secure a 2-1 victory.
A boxing-related social media page, Boxing Kingdom, shared an image of Joshua with the caption, “Who should Anthony Joshua face in his next fight?”
Portsmouth player Jordan Webb succinctly responded, “Gareth Southgate.”
Numerous other fans chimed in with their thoughts in the comments section, with one suggesting that the bout should take place prior to the Switzerland game, possibly to prevent the 53-year-old from overseeing the match.
A user identified as @spyderrmann expressed, “We all crave this fight, it is an urgent necessity.”
Simon Allison inquired, “Is there any possibility of arranging it before Saturday (the date of the quarter-finals clash against Switzerland)?”
Emmanuel Karl remarked, “Indeed, Southgate’s management nearly drove me to the point of despair after that Slovakia match.”
Nigerian user Ayorinde Olade was taken aback by the level of animosity aimed at the England head coach.
He pondered, “Has it really escalated to this extent?”
Ifeanyi Peter remarked, “Southgate has caused Webb to develop hypertension.”
In contrast, another English supporter, Geordie Walker, opined that Southgate’s fortunes could unexpectedly turn in his favor.
“But you know Southgate prevails in this scenario through sheer luck,” Walker wrote.
