Gareth Southgate says he will take inspiration from Sir Bobby Robson after enduring some hurtful boos and jeers during and after England's 4-0 hammering at the hands of Hungary in the UEFA Nations League.
England struggled to convert chances in the final third and looked shot defensively as Marco Rossi's side served up one of the heaviest defeats in the Three Lions' international history at home. Southgate faced the music in the press conference after the game amid calls for him to go from fans before the World Cup.
But he drew a comparison with Robson and pointed to Italia 90 when the former Newcastle boss led England to the semi-finals of the tournament knowing it was his last act as boss.
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Southgate said last night: "I knew the role before I took it. I would say it (fans’ opinion of him changing) has happened over 10 days not 11 months but I saw all my predecessors go through that and I know great people like Sir Bobby Robson what he had to go through and how he was viewed in the end on getting the team to a World Cup semi-final."
And reflecting further on the chorus of boos, Southgate said: " Football is emotional, people that pay to come and watch, will give an opinion. The team weren’t able to deliver tonight, that’s my responsibility so if the flak comes my way I have to deal with that.
"You won’t be the England manager, it's not realistic to have the ride I’ve had for five years and not have bad nights, difficult nights, criticism, that’s part and parcel of the job. I understand tonight is a chastening experience.
"We’ve not lost many football matches and when you lose so heavily, at home especially, but when you lose heavily with England it’s going to be very, very painful.
"This group of players have been unbelievable for their country. It's important people stick with them as they'll be strong moving forward."
