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One of Kent’s biggest England fans says Gareth Southgate should keep job for now and team can still win Euro 2024

One of Kent’s biggest England fans says manager Gareth Southgate has made “rash decisions” but still believes the Three Lions can win the Euros.

KentOnline previously revealed how Martin Baker has covered his Canterbury house in St George’s flags and even painted the driveway red and white in support of captain Harry Kane and co.

But the bricklayer was disappointed by the team’s drab draw against Denmark yesterday, blaming the lacklustre performance on tactical errors.

“We started off really good but then we dropped off after the first goal and went too defensive,” said the 50-year-old.

“In the next game, we’ve got to have more of an attacking midfield.

“If we keep Trent on and have Kane as the target man then it would give a chance to Saka and Foden to come in on the wings - trying to play the ball through the middle is a mistake.”

A lifelong supporter of the national team, Mr Baker travelled to Portugal to watch England play in the 2004 Euros and even has the Three Lions badge tattooed on his chest.

Martin Baker has painted the driveway of his Canterbury home with the St George's Cross
Martin Baker has painted the driveway of his Canterbury home with the St George's Cross
And his home is adorned with more than a dozen England flags ahead of the Euro cup
And his home is adorned with more than a dozen England flags ahead of the Euro cup

Asked if he still had faith in Southgate at the helm, Mr Baker said he expects to see the manager go at the end of the tournament.

“He’s making rash decisions with team selection and he’s left some good players back at home,” Mr Baker said.

“He’s got the best team possible with strength and depth, but he’s not using it.

“I wouldn’t replace him now, but I think he’s going to go at the end of the tournament.

“Pep Guardiola would be an ideal manager as he’s really good and working with the young players at Man City.”

The Three Lions mega-fan says he’s “England through and through”
The Three Lions mega-fan says he’s “England through and through”

Mr Baker watched the England game yesterday at his local pub but says the atmosphere was quite deflated after the match.

Nevertheless, he believes the Three Lions still have a fair chance of winning the tournament.

“If we can get out the group stage, then I think we’ve got as good a chance as anyone else,” Mr Baker said.

“The next game is all or nothing - that’s the long and short of it.

“I know he’s under a lot of pressure but Southgate has to lift the squad.”

Mr Baker previously told KentOnline how he is “England through and through” and won’t be deterred by negative comments on social media about how he has decorated his house in Thanington.

He said last week: “There were some nasty comments with people saying things like, ‘You’re National Front’ and ‘What universal credit do you claim?’

“But I just laughed it off. I put the flags up for a bit of fun.

“At the end of the day, I live in England, I’m in England, I’m England through and through and I’ll fly the English flag if I want to.”

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